Boss Mick McCarthy believes that new loan signing Conor Sammon will score more regularly for the Blues with Town’s style of play suiting the Irish international. The 27-year-old joined from Derby until the end of the season on Friday and made his debut as a late sub at Reading on Saturday.
Sammon’s record of scoring only 13 goals in 49 starts and 40 sub appearances in two years with the Rams and prior to that once for Wigan in 10 starts and 24 games from the bench has come under scrutiny since his signing.
The Dubliner’s most prolific period in British football came between August 2008 and January 2011 when he netted 25 goals in 53 starts and 23 sub appearances for SPL side Kilmarnock following his move from the League of Ireland.
"I think the way we play will suit him and I think he’ll get goals with us,” McCarthy said. "I think at Derby it’s different, you’ve got your man up front [Chris Martin] who plays with his back to goal better. He’s better than Conor at that, but he’ll give us plenty, that’s for sure.”
The Town manager says he’s a long-time admirer of Sammon, who he revealed former boss Paul Jewell tried to bring to Portman Road during his time in charge.
"He is somebody I’ve liked,” he added. "I guess you don’t sign somebody who you just see the week before and say ‘I’ll sign him’.
"There’s always got to be a mutual respect or like of what he does and what he brings to the team.
"I think he brings a lot, and he’s a really good person as well, which fits into our squad. I’m pleased to have got him.
"Before me I think Paul was looking at him. So, he’s finally ended up here. Let’s hope it’s a success for us.”
Sammon has a reputation for not giving opposition defenders a moment’s rest during games, an approach McCarthy likes to see throughout his teams.
"I like players who don’t give their opponent any peace at all, whether that’s a full-back, a centre-half, a midfield player or a winger or a striker,” he continued. "That’s part of the game. What’s not to like about that?”
He played down the suggestion that Paul Taylor’s move to Rotherham on a half-season loan had freed up the resources to allow the move for Sammon: "I don’t see why you have to put it down to freeing up the cash, there’s a different story there.
"One’s gone out and Conor’s come in and he will be a good player for us. I’m delighted to have got him.”