x

Benyu Close to Debut - Ipswich Town News

Boss Mick McCarthy says 17-year-old first-year academy scholar Kundai Benyu isn’t far from making his first-team debut and that he was close to being involved in Sunday’s East Anglian derby at Norwich. The central midfielder was on the senior bench for the first time at Carrow Road.

"It depends what game it is,” McCarthy said. "He was within a hair’s breadth of going on on Sunday but I didn’t think that was the game for him.

"And going on and making a debut it can be, not make or break as such, but it can either push you on or set you back a long while.

"There wasn’t a lot of room to play in that game on Sunday and the pace of it was frantic. I don’t think it was a game for Kundai.

"But he trains with us, he’s travelling with us and he doesn’t look out of place training with us, he’s a good player.”

Camden-born Benyu, who also qualifies to play international football for Zimbabwe, recently signed his first professional contract taking him through to June 2018. The central midfielder has been a regular in the U21s this season and has hugely impressed his manager.

"He’s a very talented, skilful midfield player,” McCarthy added. "He can look after the ball with his feet, he finds a pass.

"As for the physical side of it, he’s just 17 and seeing him stripped alongside the first-team players who have been in the gym for the last five years and are all built like beasts, he’s a skinny dipper when compared.

"But he copes with it, that’s fine. I’m not saying you have to be a big, powerful player but that does help, certainly in the Championship.

"He’s a real talent, the way he can go past people he’s a bit like Bish, similar to him. We’ve got some good youngsters coming through. I’m really pleased, the academy’s thriving at the minute.”

Meanwhile, Town’s U18s drew 0-0 away at Crystal Palace yesterday afternoon in a match rearranged from Saturday.

What to read next:

Town Linked With Manchester City Striker Mubama
Town are reported to have made an enquiry to Manchester City regarding striker Divin Mubama.
Chelsea Trigger £30m Delap Release Clause
Chelsea have triggered the £30 million relegation release clause in Blues striker Liam Delap’s contract.
Town Keen to Loan Chelsea Striker Guiu
Town are reportedly keen to sign Chelsea striker Marc Guiu on loan as part of the deal which will see Liam Delap move to Stamford Bridge.
Delap Chelsea Move Edging Closer
Town striker Liam Delap’s move to Chelsea is edging closer with other interested parties reportedly having been told the frontman has made a decision on his destination.
Hallgrimsson: Sore Ankle Led to Szmodics Withdrawal
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson says Blues forward Sammie Szmodics withdrew from his squad having felt some soreness in his ankle after coming on late in the final Town game of the season against West Ham on Sunday.
U21s Friendly at Long Melford
Town’s U21s will play a friendly at Long Melford on Tuesday 22nd July (KO 7.45pm).
Szmodics Withdraws From Irish Squad
Blues forward Sammie Szmodics has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for their June internationals.
Broadhead in Wales Squad
Blues forward Nathan Broadhead has been named in the Wales squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Belgium.
Former Blues Boss McCarthy Inducted into LMA Hall of Fame
Former Town boss Mick McCarthy was inducted into the LMA Hall of Fame 1000 Club at the 33rd League Managers Association Annual Awards dinner on Tuesday evening.
Town Coach Grant Named Huddersfield Boss
Blues first-team coach Lee Grant has been named the new manager of League One Huddersfield Town.