Boss Mick McCarthy says midfielder Anthony Wordsworth could play in the role currently occupied by loanee Jonny Williams. The Blues manager believes the former Colchester man is versatile enough to play in a number of positions.
Having impressed in the victories over Brighton and Derby the 25-year-old admitted that he was bitterly disappointed to be left out for the draw with Nottingham Forest, the man he had replaced, Cole Skuse, having returned from injury.
The Londoner was back in the side for the defeat at Blackburn but was on the bench for the victory at Huddersfield, when he played the final 16 minutes, and on Saturday when he didn’t make it on to the pitch.
McCarthy says he was pleased with Wordsworth’s performance at Ewood Park and that having started those three games the midfielder feels more a part of the Town first-team squad.
"I don’t think he played badly at Blackburn,” he said. "I thought he played well but I wanted to go with the two wingers, who had been rested, left out, whatever way anyone wants to put it.
"I changed the team and it worked well. I thought Hunty and Ando were excellent [at Huddersfield]. Woody is happy in the knowledge that he’s part of it and he can compete for a central role in that team. If Luke Hyam or Skusey are below par or injured, he can play. I think it’s great.”
Although viewing Wordsworth primarily as someone to vie for inclusion with Hyam and Skuse, McCarthy says he could move further forward to a role the player himself recently said he would like to play, believing he did well there when with the U’s.
"He is a central midfield player but I think he’s a good footballer and he can play a number of positions,” McCarthy added.
"If Jonny Williams wasn’t here he could maybe play in a three in there as the one that could get forward.
"A bit like Paul Green, he’s another who has just kept his head down and kept playing but I’m afraid Jonny’s taken that position for himself and nobody’s likely to get that off him the way he’s playing.”
Wales international Williams is currently due to remain with the Blues until May 3rd, although his parent club Crystal Palace are able to recall him at 24 hours' notice. If they don't utilise that option, the loan could be extended into a third month if Town make the play-offs.
McCarthy says players, such as Wordsworth, Green, Frazer Richardson and Tyrone Mings, who have been on the fringes of his team without getting too many chances, have remained professional and onside throughout the season.
"They’re good characters,” he said. "They certainly get coached and managed correctly, they’re not just left to stew in their juices. I speak to them and TC speaks to them and makes sure they are feeling all right about it.
"I explained to Frazer when he came that it was as back-up and in case anything happened, and I’ve had that discussion since, which he understands, which is great. It’s not always the case.”
He says he has also talked to Mings, who had been frustrated by his lack of opportunities having been kept out of the team by Aaron Cresswell until he came back into the side for Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Doncaster, the Liverpudlian missing out with a groin problem.
"On the face of it he looks all right but I’ve spoken to him a couple of times because I think in any other circumstance, in lots of other teams, he’d be playing,” McCarthy added.
"It’s really difficult. It’s not like we can let him out on loan because I don’t have another left-back, so I’ve had to explain that to him. But he understands and he’s had to be patient and he’s great to have because he can play anywhere across the back four.”
He says winger Alex Henshall, who is on loan for the rest of the season from Manchester City with his contract up in the summer, could get his chance at some point.
"He’s done well, he trains with the first team, he doesn’t look out of place. He’s fine,” McCarthy continued.
"He’s a good footballer, he’s got really good pace, he’s got a really good left foot, I think he’s got a lot to offer us. He’s got quick feet, he strikes the ball well, I think he’s got a goal in him.”