x

McCarthy: Ambrose as Good as Anybody Here - Ipswich Town News

Boss Mick McCarthy says new signing Darren Ambrose’s ability was no shock to him but that he was surprised that the 30-year-old was in a position where he needed to join the Blues on trial. Yesterday, the former academy player signed a short-term deal until January.

"His technical ability is no surprise to me or any Ipswich fan that knows him or has seen him, they probably know him far better than I do,” McCarthy said.

"I did ask him the question ‘What the hell are you doing here?’ He looked at me and I said ‘What are you doing here, because you’ve got such ability, you’re only 30. Why are you here trialing with us?’

"A bit of a hard-hitting question, you have to think about that one. He’s shown a desire to be here.

"What’s gone wrong for a guy of his ability? Maybe bad decisions, injuries, but he’s fit, he’s got great ability and he’s looked as good as anybody else out there, so I’m thinking ‘Why wouldn’t I?’. And he’s got Ipswich at heart as well, he’s delighted to be back.”

Having added Ambrose and with Teddy Bishop and Kevin Bru breaking into the first team, McCarthy’s midfield options have received a significant boost in recent weeks.

"I thought Kevin was excellent as that number 10 at Derby, he played really well,” the Blues boss enthused. "He’s got really good quality and Teddy was the star man for me, by a street.

"It’s lovely, isn’t it? It’s nice when you’ve got that squad of 20 and any one of them could play. It’s a big decision for me.”

Meanwhile, McCarthy confirmed that he has no current plans to offer a deal to former West Ham man Jack Collison, who like Ambrose trained with the Blues in recent weeks.

He says the Welshman is now looking at other alternatives: "He has been about. I think he’s got other options and he’s going to go and have a look elsewhere.

"I said I was cool with that, whatever he wants to do. If it works out for him, great. If it doesn’t, I’ll still have a look at him.”

Photo: ITFC

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.