Ipswich new boy Ryan Tunnicliffe has provided an insight into what he can do for Ipswich while on loan from Manchester United until January.
Midfielder Tunnicliffe said: "I’m a box-to-box player, full of energy and I am desperate to win, no matter what. Everyone likes to score but I’m not too bothered if I don’t get goals, as long as the team wins. Winning is everything to me.
"There are some good players here and plenty of experience, which stands us in good stead for the new season. Promotion is everyone’s goal and they say that on any day in the Championship any team can beat any other. If we can get a bit of form going here and get on a consistent run I don’t see why we can’t be up there challenging.”
Tunnicliffe paid tribute to the role that Old Trafford reserve team coach Warren Joyce, a key backroom figure behind the champions’ many successes, has played in his development so far.
He added: "Warren has been a big part of my career and I listen to everything he says. He’s mates with the gaffer here and he said Ipswich would be an ideal club for me.
"Warren said Mick McCarthy was very straight and wouldn’t tell me any lies, which is exactly how I’ve found him to be. I can’t come down here and expect an automatic spot because there are players who have been here a lot longer. All I can do is give it 100 per cent on the training ground every day and hope to force my way in.”
But Tunnicliffe’s lack of match action for Town — he played the second half of last week’s final pre-season clash at Notts County — will not prevent him from being ready to seize his chance if McCarthy names in his starting line-up for Saturday’s opening-day clash at Reading.
He said: "I think my fitness is on a par with the rest of the lads. I’ve always been a naturally fit lad and I’ve done a lot of training at United, which was very hard.”
The 20-year-old has not had a chance to speak to new United boss David Moyes, who took a senior group on tour and was still absent when Ipswich made their move.
But he added: "I’m sure he is happy for me to go out and play as many games as I can. I spoke to Reece Brown when he was here on loan and he was really enjoying it so I spoke to him again and he was full of praise for the club, so that also helped me to make my decision.
"It was strange going back to United and there being no Sir Alex Ferguson around. He’s probably the best manager ever and when he speaks to you it has a massive impact. Whatever he says you listen and take it on board.
"It’s strange without him because that’s all I’ve ever known at the club but it’s now all about the new boss and trying to impress him. The best way I can do that is with my performances for Ipswich because United will be keeping an eye on me over the next few months.”
Photo: ITFC