Manager Mick McCarthy says young players will get their chance under his management at Town - if they show they’re good enough to be included ahead of the club’s more senior professionals and when the time is right.
Luke Hyam and Josh Carson were omitted from Saturday’s team at Birmingham having been in the side the previous week, but McCarthy believes that was necessary to ensure the victory at St Andrew’s
He says that throughout his time as a manager he has given youngsters — including those recruited from non-league — their chance, but that the visit to St Andrew’s wasn’t the right moment.
Asked whether he was a manager willing to give young player first team opportunities, he said: "Quite clearly not on Saturday as I got them out of the team and put the hard-nosed professionals in, but it was essential, that.
"If they’re good enough, I’ll play them, without any doubt. I have a history of playing young players and untried players, such as Michael Kightly.
"He cost £25,000 from Grays. He’s at Stoke now plying his trade and cost £3 million from Wolves. Yes, I do, but at the right time.”