Trialists Jonathan Henly and James Alabi have started for the U21s in this afternoon’s home game against Coventry at Playford Road (KO 1pm). TWTD revealed that former Reading keeper Henly was on trial with the Blues a fortnight ago, while ex-Stoke striker Alabi scored for the U21s in last week’s 2-1 win at Leeds.
Manager Mick McCarthy says 21-year-old keeper Henly, capped by Scotland at U19 and U21 levels, has done well since he came in, having previously had spells on trial at Ross County and QPR.
"It’s just an opportunity, he came in and he’s actually impressed, he’s been OK, so we’ll look at him today.”
McCarthy says that if Henly does enough to win a place in his squad it would allow another of his keepers - most likely Michael Crowe - to go out on loan.
"He came in and we just had a look at him and if that materialises, if we sign him first and foremost, then we’ll see, one of them might have to.”
Regarding striker Alabi, 20, he added: "He’s done OK, he’s done fine. I’ll have a look today. I didn’t see him at Leeds.”
U21s: Henly, Parr, Kenlock, McDonnell, Yorwerth, Robinson, Connolly, Benyu, Alabi, Dozzell, Stewart. Subs: Crowe, Hammond, Blanchfield, Ramadan, Ford.