Blues boss Mick McCarthy believes a number of good, young players are emerging from the club's Playford Road academy and establishing themselves in the senior squad. While Josh Emmanuel and Myles Kenlock have featured in recent weeks, the Town manager says the likes of Kundai Benyu, Andre Dozzell and Tristan Nydam are all also making progress.

At the recent Supporters Club AGM McCarthy was asked a question about the number of first-team starts made by academy graduates with the figure having come down season on season since he took over as boss, although the long-term injuries suffered by Teddy Bishop, Luke Hyam and Tommy Smith have impacted upon those totals in the last couple of years.

The Blues look set to fall short of their target of 50 per cent of the first-team squad having come through the academy by the start of next season - the current figure is 31 per cent - which remains their aim, but McCarthy believes there is a promising crop of youngsters now breaking into the first-team picture.

“I think we’re getting to a point where we’re getting good players that are coming through,” he said.

“Myles Kenlock can play in the first team but unfortunately he’s got Jonas [Knudsen] in front of him. Josh can play there, there’s no doubt about that.

“I think Kundai now, he is a different kid, he’s pushing for a place in the squad. We’ve got Bish, certainly Dozzer.

“It’s just looking like we’re getting a few more players who are coming through and can play but can play and sustain that, not just have a game and then we don’t see them ever again.

“That’s been proven with Josh and with Myles, with Dozzer, certainly with Bish, and it would be lovely if we could get those homegrown players coming through.

“I don’t keep them out of the team because I don’t want them to play, I pick the best team that’s available to me.”

Midfielder Tristan Nydam became the latest academy youngster to sign a professional deal earlier this month when he turned 17.

“Tristan’s going to be a good player and I think they’re all improving with the strength and conditioning that they do with Lids [fitness coach Andy Liddell],” McCarthy added.

“I think we’ll know [when they’re ready], I’m not sure everybody accepts how tough this league is to play in but it is a very, very tough league and you’ve got to be robust and durable and they’re all getting there.

“Doz came back [from England U18s duty] and has trained with us, as has Kundai, and they don’t look out of place, they’re doing great.”

Having scored on his debut as a sub at Sheffield Wednesday last season and then made his first start against Fulham a few days later, Dozzell's only appearance this season was in the EFL Cup tie at home to Stevenage.

However, having impressed in the U23s in recent weeks, the 17-year-old may well in be in McCarthy's thoughts if he is looking to make changes to his midfield for Saturday's home game against QPR.

Photo: TWTD

TR11BLU added 11:34 - Nov 24 @lightningboy Why should the over 50's be burdened with him....he would be a negative influence
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Swn98 added 11:38 - Nov 24 Grumps as usual you've not taken the post in context My point is its easy for people on here to criticise another's decision when they haven't got to stand by the results of their opinions.
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TimmyH added 11:50 - Nov 24 If in times of trouble mention the youngsters coming through (which by and large he won't play unless injuries take hold) - hey Mick!?
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marco007 added 12:05 - Nov 24 Myles has Jonas in front of him??? I'm sorry but if he cannot surpass a defender that cannot defend and offers very little going forward in terms of attacking threat or even the ability to pass a ball to a teammate then he has no chance! I feel sorry for lads such as Myles as no matter how badly Jonas plays he is one of MM untouchables. Is anyone else sick of and so bored of the Jonas long throws???..............he must be approaching a 1000 now without creating a single opportunity??

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martin587 added 13:23 - Nov 24 The trouble is Mick,you DONT pick the best team available.You keep picking your favourites and putting square pegs in round holes.
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Pilgrimblue added 14:21 - Nov 24 I just don't get it. Picking strongest team, you're having a laugh MM. Every time JE plays he performs better than Chambo. Kenlock hardly put a foot wrong yet gets dropped as soon as JK is fit. Anyone is better than Douglas!!
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grumpyoldman added 17:15 - Nov 24 Swn98 as people post on here their opinions and occasionally state fact we are all keyboard warriors, but you used the phrase as a put down, that is my point.
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Swn98 added 19:19 - Nov 24 Grumps I was just stating my view I'm apologise if you didn't approve of the way I stated it.
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blueboy1981 added 20:33 - Nov 24 .......... yet more hollow words from the man who is totally convinced by now, that he can get away with it forever and a day at ITFC.
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blueboy1981 added 20:35 - Nov 24 Swn98 .......... you talk about as much sense as Essex57 did ......... !!!!!! ..... ?????.
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blueboy1981 added 20:35 - Nov 24 Swn98 .......... you talk about as much sense as Essex57 did ......... !!!!!! ..... ?????.
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Swn98 added 07:50 - Nov 25 If you don't like it don't read it Blue boy. ..........!!!!!!!!!
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TimmyH added 10:38 - Nov 25 Same person isn't it? Swn98 and Essex57...
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Swn98 added 12:05 - Nov 25 Who's Essex57?
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Swn98 added 13:15 - Nov 25 Blue boy I've read and re read my original message and its as clear as could be as usual you don't agree with it so you have to deride the person whose written it.
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Seasider added 18:51 - Nov 25 dugoutdave.Correct,and what Phil does not say;but was reported in EADT 25/11,is that once again McCarthy had to have a snidy dig at the person who asked this well researched question on 27/10 because questioner went into detail giving reducing percentages of players introduced during this mans 4 year reign at Portman RD,who in my opinion has done as much damage to the club as his predecessors.

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