McCarthy Delighted With Excellent Smith - Ipswich Town News
Boss Mick McCarthy says central defender Tommy Smith has been "excellent" since he came into his side soon after the change of manager at Portman Road. The 22-year-old New Zealand international came on as a sub in McCarthy’s second game in charge at Crystal Palace and aside from the visit to Leicester — which came soon after a trip to China on international duty — he has started every game since.
McCarthy said: "He’s made a big difference to the team. He’s been excellent. Himself and Chambo have been a really good partnership.
"The back four has kind of picked itself with Cressy and Bradley Orr and now, of course, Richard Stearman. Tommy’s been really good, I’ve been really pleased with him.”
He added: "He’s a very good character and I just like the way he plays the game. He’s a good guy.”
Asked whether he would have been pleased to have scored Smith’s two headed goals in the 4-0 victory over Middlesbrough, McCarthy, a centre-half during his playing days, responded: "In a season, let alone in one game!”
What to read next:
Sheeran to Extend Town SponsorshipEd Sheeran has revealed he has agreed to extend his sponsorship of the Blues into a fourth season but won’t be at Portman Road tomorrow.
Morsy: To Get a Club to the Premier League Would Be AmazingSam Morsy is no stranger to success as a footballer after winning promotion with Chesterfield, Wigan and Town, plus playing for Egypt in the World Cup, but would taking Ipswich into the Premier League perhaps be his number one achievement in the game?
Morsy: Exeter Experience Will Help UsTown skipper Sam Morsy knows only too well the prize for avoiding defeat at Portman Road tomorrow and believes he and his teammates will benefit from their experience of the near-identical situation that occurred a year ago.
McKenna: Squad Focused and RelaxedTown boss Kieran McKenna says his squad remain focused, despite a palpable buzz around the town as well as further afield back in Northern Ireland.
McKenna: It Would Be a Very Proud AchievementBlues boss Kieran McKenna says it would be a proud achievement to take Town back into the Premier League after 22 seasons away but says he hasn’t yet thought too much about the prospect of becoming a top-flight manager.
McKenna: In Many Ways It's Been a Normal WeekTown boss Kieran McKenna has tried to treat this week in as normal a manner as possible, despite the noise surround the club with the Blues just a point away from a return to the Premier League and their second promotion in two seasons.
McKenna: We're Going to Assess One or Two in the MorningTown boss Kieran McKenna says there are a few knocks and niggles in his squad ahead of Saturday’s crucial final day of the season game at home to Huddersfield with one or two set to be assessed in the morning ahead of the match.