x

Midfield Trio Impress McCarthy - Ipswich Town News

Boss Mick McCarthy says midfield trio Anthony Wordsworth, Stephen Hunt and Jay Tabb gave him something to think about with their displays during Saturday’s 1-0 home victory over Bolton.

With Luke Hyam out injured and loanee Ryan Tunnicliffe having moved on, Hunt and Tabb started in a central three with Cole Skuse, who was replaced by Wordsworth in the 32nd minute after suffering a head injury.

McCarthy pulled out of a deal to sign a midfielder to replace Tunnicliffe on deadline day — almost certainly Paul Green from Leeds — and plans to look at the emergency loan market when that window opens for Football League clubs next Saturday.

The Blues boss hasn’t ruled out a return for Friday’s target but says other players may become available in the wake of clubs’ transfer window business.

However, he says Tabb, Hunt and Wordsworth did their case for more regular involvement at the centre of midfield no harm at all: "I think there’ll be clubs who have taken lots of players in who’ll be having a look and a change around.

"If I need somebody, there’ll be somebody but Tabby, Hunty and Woody have given me plenty to think about.

"I keep saying, I’ve got a good squad and Woody’s added to that today and it’s up to him.

"I thought Hunty and Tabby were different class, considering they’re both supposed to be wide lefties.

"I’ve got a good squad, I’ve not got a big one, but I’ve got a good squad, which is proven as we’re in seventh spot. But we couldn’t afford too many injuries, that’s for sure.”

McCarthy subbed Wordsworth towards the end because he was exhausted having recently missed a fortnight’s training due to illness and wasn’t considered for a start for the same reason: "He knew why he was coming off, he knew because he’s not had that much football.

"It’s only a few weeks ago, after the Preston game, that he ended up with tonsillitis and he didn’t train for two weeks.

"He came back and had a really hard week and must have thought he’d got a chance with the midfield a bit bare, but I said I needed energy, fitness and running power and he’s not going to give me that at the minute because he’s not up to it. He took it in the right way. It wouldn’t have bothered me if he hadn’t.”

Hyam is likely to be back from the gashed leg he suffered at Millwall in time for next week’s game at Barnsley, while Skuse is also expected to be fine for the visit to Oakwell with his head injury not serious.

What to read next:

McKenna: New Coach Stanislas Comes Highly Recommended
Town manager Kieran McKenna has spoken about the additions of new first-team coach Junior Stanislas and set-piece analyst Michele Aragona.
McKenna: Young Will Bring Experience, Competitiveness and Edge
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says new signing Ashley Young can give the club different things in different areas, among them his experience, competitiveness and his edge.
Hirst: I Thought We Played Really Well, But Aberdeen Gave Us a Massive Challenge
Town striker George Hirst was pleased to add to his pre-season goals tally during the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: Philogene Very Good Tonight, His Off the Ball Work Was Outstanding
Town manager Kieran McKenna was delighted with Jaden Philogene’s performance in the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: We Got What We Wanted From the Game
Town boss Kieran McKenna said he got what he wanted from the 3-1 friendly win at Aberdeen and believes his side is in general on the right track.
McKenna: Nothing in the Air Regarding Omari's Situation
Town boss Kieran McKenna says there’s “nothing in the air” regarding Omari Hutchinson’s future with the forward having remained behind in Suffolk to train while the Blues were in Aberdeen for this evening’s 3-1 friendly victory.
Aberdeen 1-3 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Jaden Philogene scored twice and George Hirst once as Town beat Aberdeen 3-1 in their friendly at Pittodrie. Philogene stroked home from close range after good work from Sammie Szmodics and Hirst on 28, then Hirst added a second with a predatory rebound 10 minutes later, before Philogene netted the third just before the hour with Aberdeen pulling one back in the 79th minute remaining and the Blues having replaced their entire starting XI.
Aberdeen 0-2 Ipswich Town - Half-Time
Goals from Jaden Philogene and George Hirst have given the Blues a 2-0 half-time lead in this evening’s friendly against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
Strong Blues Team Starts at Aberdeen
Town have named a strong line-up for this evening’s friendly against Aberdeen at Pittodrie (KO 7.30pm, live on TownTV).
Luongo Completes Millwall Move
Millwall have confirmed the signing of former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo on a one-year deal.