x

McCarthy: Leeds' Loss Town's Gain - Ipswich Town News

Boss Mick McCarthy wonders what Leeds failed to see in striker Noel Hunt that they were willing to let him move on and join his elder brother Stephen at Portman Road. Hunt junior signed a deal to the end of the season earlier this month following his loan spell before Christmas.

Hunt, 32, endured a frustrating 17 months at Elland Road, failing to score in only 14 starts and eight sub appearances, with his only involvement this season in the opening two games of the campaign.

However, he made a dramatic start to his loan spell with Town when he scored the winner deep into injury time at Charlton in November.

And, having left Leeds and rejoined the Blues, the Irishman was handed his first start at Millwall 10 days ago and scored twice within 14 minutes to set Town on the road to their 3-1 victory. At Brighton on Wednesday he set up Daryl Murphy’s 18th goal of the season as Town were defeated 3-2.

"I wonder what other people saw in him. It was Brian McDermott that signed him [at Leeds] and I know what Brian saw in him because he had him for years at Reading,” McCarthy said.

"Then I just wonder what they don’t see in him that we could end up getting him after he’d had his contract cancelled.

"We already knew about him but having seen him play at Millwall I thought his performance was very, very good, even taking his goals out of his performance. His goals just made it an excellent performance.

"Like his brother, he’s just a great character to have around. I’m really delighted to have them both.”

Asked about the Hunt brothers as a double act, he added: "With one they're nuts and with two of them they’re completely nuts. It’s great, I love it. They’re fantastic guys.”

Meanwhile, former Blue Sean St Ledger is on trial with MLS side DC United. St Ledger was with Town on a short-term deal before Christmas but failed to break into the first team before being released.

What to read next:

Town Confirm Akpom Loan Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of Ajax striker Chuba Akpom on a season-long loan.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Police Reviewing CCTV of Birmingham Fan Incident
West Midlands Police say they are “reviewing CCTV footage” as they look into the incident in which Town midfielder Jack Taylor appeared to be assaulted by a Birmingham City fan during Friday’s 1-1 draw at St Andrew’s.
Sassuolo 'Closing in On Muric Loan'
Serie A new boys Sassuolo have revived their interest in Blues keeper Aro Muric and are closing in on a loan deal for the Kosovo international, according to a report in Italy.
New Keeper Starts as U21s Lose Friendly at West Ham
Town U21s, featuring a recently signed new goalkeeper, were beaten 1-0 by West Ham United at their Rush Green training ground in their final friendly of pre-season yesterday.
Hirst: Cajuste's One of the Best I've Ever Played With
Town striker George Hirst has hailed Jens Cajuste as one of the best players he has ever played with following the Swede’s return to the club on loan from Napoli earlier this week.
Slicker Impresses Barnet Boss on League Debut
Blues keeper Cieran Slicker made his league debut for loan club Barnet but couldn’t prevent the Bees from falling to a 2-0 defeat to Bromley at Hayes Lane in League Two, however, the Scotland international impressed manager Dean Brennan.
Birmingham Issue Statement on Taylor Assault
Birmingham City have issued a statement regarding the incident in which Jack Taylor appeared to assaulted by a supporter as Town celebrated George Hirst’s 95th-minute penalty in last night’s 1-1 draw at St Andrew’s.
U18s Beat Canaries in Friendly
Town’s U18s beat their Norwich City counterparts 2-0 in their final friendly of pre-season at Playford Road this morning.
No Bids For Davis, Town Won't Sell This Window
TWTD understands Town have received no bids for left-back Leif Davis this summer and will not be selling him during this transfer window.