Boss Mick McCarthy says he’s been impressed with Academy Player of the Year Jack Marriott. The 18-year-old has netted 26 goals for the U18s and U21s this season and is one of five second-year scholars to have been rewarded with the offer of a one-year professional contract.
McCarthy said: "He’s doing very well, Jack. He scores his goals, he’s very industrious and I’ve been delighted with him in the U21s. He’s got to keep doing it.”
But he warns that Marriott, who hails from Kettering, faces a battle to get ahead of senior pros such as David McGoldrick, Frank Nouble and Michael Chopra and win a place in the team next season: "It’s far from a level playing field, he’s down at the bottom of a big slope, but it’s only him that can make it level.
"I don’t want them at the top of the slope to make it level for him by playing badly. He’s got to get up and play as well as them and get in the team. That’s the challenge for all of them.”
The Blues boss ruled out including Marriott in his squad for last week’s home game with Birmingham with Town still not mathematically safe, however, it would be little surprise if the youngster was included in the 18 at Burnley on Saturday.
Meanwhile, McCarthy says he’s been pleased with the contribution made by Daryl Murphy, who has been on loan for the season from Celtic: "He’s done well, whoever he’s played with [up front], and he’s played with a number of them.
"He’s played down the left-hand side, that’s not his favoured position, he wants to play up front.
"He’s played on the left at times when I’ve had to change it and he’s done well and he’s nicked his goals. He’s certainly had an impact at the place.”
Now that Town’s Championship status has been confirmed for a 12th successive season, McCarthy plans to speak to the out of contract and loan players in the next few days, although he has previously said he’d be interested in keeping hold of the 30-year-old.
Murphy, who is in his third loan spell at the club, has said he would like to stay at Portman Road on a permanent basis.