Town boss Mick McCarthy says new signing Jonathan Douglas will add “great experience’ to his squad. The 33-year-old joined the Blues on a free transfer from Saturday’s opponents Brentford on Tuesday, signing a one-year deal with an option for a second season.
"I don’t know the reasons behind his departure, but when I heard he was available I thought that he had such great experience and I actually tried to sign him for Wolves a long time ago,” McCarthy said.
"He’s added goals to his game, I think he got eight last year. All right, he was playing in a midfield three and he ramped forward but he’s a real competitor.
"I think if Skusey is injured or suspended for any reason we lack that bit of nous. Despite getting his goals, he’s just got that tactical awareness of playing that position, being a sitter, being a holder, because that’s what he always used to do in my book. He brings good experience to it and he’s a good character.”
He believes young central midfielders such as Teddy Bishop, Kundai Benyu and Adam McDonnell can learn from watching and training alongside Douglas and their other more experienced team-mates.
"Without a doubt,” he added. "They need players to watch in games and in training and to play against in training and learn from playing against them, which they certainly do against the likes of Skusey and Kevin Bru, and Dougie now that he’s here.
"We’ve had good players, Luke Hyam, of course, who is still a young fella, but I’ve no doubt they’ve all benefited from playing somebody like Skusey, and Tabby as well, who brings a wealth of experience to it.”