Blues boss Mick McCarthy says signing Adam Webster was a “no-brainer” and that he was surprised Town managed to land the 21-year-old, who he has repeatedly tipped for a Premier League future.

“I hope he continues to blossom because he’s got fabulous potential, he really has,” McCarthy said of the central defender, who cost £750,000 plus Matt Clarke who joined Webster’s former club Portsmouth, with whom he spent last season on loan.

“I saw him playing against us [for Pompey in the FA Cup last season] and I said to [owner] Marcus [Evans], ‘Sign him. If you can sign him, sign him’.

“And that’s probably the first time I’ve probably really hung my hat on one and said, ‘Do that. If it’s within our budget, sign him’.

“And he did, so he backed me on that one. I’ve not made that many bad decisions in the transfer market, I’ve had a few.”

He added: “Some players do make an immediate impact and he did. It was an absolute no-brainer. I’m still surprised that we managed to get him, but I’m delighted that we did.”

Webster bringing the ball out of defence is becoming a familiar feature to Town supporters.

“Like I said at the weekend, he reminds me of me when he drifts out with the ball at his feet,” McCarthy joked. “I usually had a centre forward at my feet when I did it, hanging on to something.

“No, he doesn’t remind me of me at all in that respect. He’s much better. He’s a very promising, talented footballer and he can defend as well, that’s the nice thing about him.

“We’re not just saying that it’s nice that he breaks out and he passes it, I thought he was excellent defending on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, McCarthy says on-loan Crystal Palace man Jonny Williams isn’t yet up to starting games despite making his fourth Blues debut as a late sub at Blackburn on Saturday.

“He’s not ready to start, that would be too much to ask. He’s been out for a long time but he’s part of it,” McCarthy said.

One or two fans raised eyebrows when the Blues signed an injured player on a season-long loan close to the end of the transfer window, but the Town manager says it's a no-risk move for the club.

“That was something I, in my own head, concocted,” he said. “He was injured, he’s only going to be coming back now, he’s not going to play for Crystal Palace, so we took him [on the basis that] we didn’t contribute [to his wages] at all unless he’s fit.

“That I thought was a bright idea to do and when he’s fully fit he’ll be a good player as we’ve all seen.

“Sadly for me and everybody else and all the people who would love to see him back playing, he’s not ready to start the game.”

Another loanee Conor Grant has had limited opportunities since joining the Blues from Everton in August but McCarthy says the 21-year-old will get his chance.

“He came into the team with Grant Ward in the game against Barnsley and they both contributed to that, and of course I’ve had a word with him,” he said.

“He’s come here to play football, it’s not transpired for him as yet, but there are still plenty of games.”

Photo: TWTD

jcITFC added 12:24 - Oct 18 Shame about MM not thinking signing a new striker was a no brainer..
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Wacko added 12:25 - Oct 18 "He came into the team with Grant Ward in the game against Barnsley and they both contributed to that" - remember that Mick, that time we scored FOUR GOALS in one game?? Any half-decent manager would try to recapture that winning formula...
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Cambonbleu added 12:29 - Oct 18 Wacko - we also conceded 2 goals in that game. Far too expansive. Decision made to shut up shop for the rest of the season
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Currie10 added 12:31 - Oct 18 That's better than I thought on Williams wage wise - indeed it is no risk and definitely £££ well spent so well done everyone at the club on that front. Amazed a few other clubs didn't come in for him on that basis!
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RaymondovicBlue added 12:54 - Oct 18 MM is not perfect and even he admits SOME of his mistakes (actual or just perceived from our seats).... But this story is about total Success on his part... Two including the passing reference to the Williams deal... Just for once, let all who post later please stick to the story.... Well done Mick (on these two cases at least!!!) MUST win tonight.... So we MUST score.... So we SHOULD see EVEN MORE chances created than Saturday.... When FAR MORE are created than previously..... I know many have run out of patience..... But I've still got a bit left :) coyb No... Make that.... COYB!!

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Woodbridgian added 13:39 - Oct 18 MM comments here are the key to his " I don't fear the sack" comments earlier in the day. As long as he can keep us in the Championship while spending very little and turning up the odd cheap gem who can then be sold for a big profit with the money never reinvested is absolutely fine with an owner who has lost interest in the club. The standard of football or the views of the fans are irrelevant i'm afraid.

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