McCarthy: Smith a Model Pro - Ipswich Town News
Boss Mick McCarthy has praised "model professional" Tommy Smith for the way he reacted to being left out of his XI earlier in the season.
Smith, 24, a regular starter since McCarthy’s second game as Town manager two years ago, was dropped in September to accommodate Jonny Parr coming in at right-back but has since won back his place in the side.
"He’s been great,” McCarthy said. "I think when he got back in for the one game [Blackburn at home] and was then left out, that irked him somewhat but he still managed to keep his counsel and do things right and be the model professional.
"I’ve had the same discussion with Jonny Parr. He played at Charlton and I said to him ‘I’m not going to sit here and try and make any excuses for not playing you and tell you that you could have done this, you could have done that better.
"‘That is my preferred back four for the Leeds game. There’s not a lot you can do. There’s not a lot I can say to you to make you feel any better.
"'But be ready to go [when you’re needed] like Tommy Smith was because he got back in and he’s been in ever since.’”
What to read next:
Women Defeated By Wolves in FriendlyIpswich Town Women kicked off their pre-season campaign against FAWNL Northern Premier Division club Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Martello Ground, Felixstowe this afternoon, but fell to a 4-1 defeat at their former home ground.
Town Women Host Wolves in FriendlyIpswich Town Women play their first public friendly of pre-season against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Martello Ground in Felixstowe this afternoon (KO 2pm).
McKenna: A Tough Game, an Increase in ChallengeManager Kieran McKenna felt today’s 3-0 victory away against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre was a tough game and an increase in challenge in the final fixture of pre-season and has been pleased with the way preparations for the campaign ahead have gone over the last few weeks.
McKenna: Townsend and Philogene Injuries Don't Look GreatBlues boss Kieran McKenna says the injuries suffered by Conor Townsend and Jaden Philogene don’t look great, while Leif Davis missed out due to a knock and Harry Clarke could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but keeper Aro Muric is making good progress.
McKenna Tight-Lipped on Hackney and CajusteTown boss Kieran McKenna remained tight-lipped when quizzed on the Blues’ approach for last season’s loanee Jens Cajuste and also Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney’s decision to remain with the Teessiders.