Town boss Mick McCarthy has revealed that the Blues will be taking up the option for a further year on youngster Kundai Benyu’s contract, which is up at the end of the season, and will “probably” offer him a longer-term deal.

The 19-year-old’s loan spell with Vanarama National League side Aldershot was extended into a fourth month yesterday, the midfielder having been named the Shots’ Player of the Month for February.

“That’s what he’s gone out there to do to try and impress everybody and he’s certainly done that, he’s achieved that,” McCarthy said.

“I know [Aldershot manager] Gary Waddock, I played with him for Ireland and for Millwall and I’ve spoken to him on a regular basis and he’s delighted with him. They’ve got a chance of getting in the play-offs, which would be great for him.”

He added: “He’s done great. Nobody’s ever doubted his ability. Attitude, desire to work hard [were more of a question] and that was the case when he went to Aldershot, and he’s bought into it and he’s doing it.

“Wow, we can all see how he handles the ball because give him the ball, he can keep hold of it and he can pass it and he finds his team-mates, he’s very, very good.

“But it’s coupling it with all the other stuff, and he’s doing it. And if he’s doing it we could have a very good player on our hands. And, yes, we will be taking up his option and probably giving him a longer contract, not just his option.”

Photo: TWTD

martin587 added 13:55 - Mar 6 Great to see we are at least giving some lads a chance.!! He shows great promise from what iv'e seen of him.
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Facefacts added 14:04 - Mar 6 Attitude, and desire to work hard - this is about character. Leon Best was an example of someone who didn't display these. The club must work out what a player's character is like before giving out a contract and wages down the drain. But my point is: our Academy should be about producing players at all ages who have good character, attitude, and the desire to work hard. They bounce back straight away after being advised (criticised) with respect, not curses, for older coaches, etc, who have more experience. They shouldn't spit the dummy, and throw the toys out of the pram. What is the real reason why our Academy graduates cannot command a first team place as soon as they are 'good' enough? Lack of respect for older people. Desire to be a top footballer has to come from an absolute desperation to succeed, if you have the God-given ability. This is where Mick gets his 'proper blokes' tag from. I can't see him calling any academy graduates 'proper blokes'. As it doesn't look like producing Championship ready players, why not close the academy, and use the money for loanees from clubs higher up the pyramid, and who are match ready? Their school of hard knocks and rough edge smoothing have then been paid for by other clubs.

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CBMTOBWMMBG added 14:19 - Mar 6 Emmanuel, Kenlock this season. Bishop too (though he needs to kick-on after all his unlucky injuries). Dozzell, Benyu next season a real possibility. I reckon the academy is worth it
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jabberjackson added 15:45 - Mar 6 psychometric testing might be a way of testing whether people have the heart for the job or am i being a bit of a to$$er?
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jas0999 added 17:16 - Mar 6 Good news!
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SohoBlue added 19:01 - Mar 6 This is great to see. Well played Kundai Benyu. Would love to see a few of the academy playing with passion and pride of a home grown player. Let's just get this done quickly. We need to get some of the pace and fast distribution of old back in the side. Let's hope the young guns can take us back to the future.
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