x

McCarthy: Young Full-Backs Could Go Out on Loan - Ipswich Town News

Town boss Mick McCarthy says young full-backs Josh Emmanuel and Myles Kenlock could go out on loan to gain first-team experience. The Blues already have 18-year-old centre-half Matt Clarke out on loan at Portsmouth and impressing in League Two.

Emmanuel (above) - who was 18 on Saturday - made his first-team debut in the 2-2 opening day draw at Brentford, while Kenlock made his first senior appearance in the 2-1 Capital One Cup win against Stevenage last Tuesday.

"I spoke to Josh Emmanuel today,” McCarthy said at yesterday’s pre-match press conference.

"I said to him that he must be disappointed [not to have played on Saturday] but that he must also have known what was going to happen - Chambo’s my captain and he was always going to play, that was never in doubt. The back four was never going to be in doubt.

"And the same for Myles Kenlock (below). I thought he was excellent on the day and I’m sure if he plays again in the cup, people will be looking [at him with a view to taking him on loan] and he’ll be better than a lot of players other clubs have got, certainly lower down the leagues, and Josh will as well.

"If we can get them some game time in the league it would be great for them. Clarkey is doing really well, they’re delighted with him.”

Keeper Michael Crowe and another full-back, Kyle Hammond, are other young players McCarthy might look to get out on loan to gain senior experience.

Meanwhile, the Town manager says he’s received no interest in winger Cameron Stewart, who he made available for transfer earlier in the summer: "Not as yet, nobody’s contacted me about him.”

What to read next:

Ajax 'Putting Pressure on Akpom to Join Birmingham'
Ajax are reportedly putting pressure on Blues target Chuba Akpom to join Birmingham City on a permanent deal rather than Town on a season-long loan.
Safe Standing Removed From Block E
Town have removed the rail seating from Block E of the Cobbold Stand.
McKenna: New Skipper O'Shea Has Shown Leadership and Strength of Character
Town boss Kieran McKenna says Dara O’Shea’s “leadership and strength of character” is what led him to appoint the Irish international the club’s new captain.
Town Announce Squad Numbers
Town have confirmed their squad numbers for the season ahead with new signings Cedric Kipre and Azor Matusiwa handed number four and five respectively and Ashley Young 15.
U21s to Host Derby in Opening Premier League 2 Fixture
Town’s U21s will host Derby County in their first Premier League 2 match on Friday 15th August (KO 7pm).
Birmingham Move For German Striker
Birmingham City appear to have given up hope of signing Blues target Chuba Akpom from Ajax, having turned their attention to Werder Bremen Marvin Ducksch, according to reports in Germany.
Akpom Remains Intent on Joining Town
Ajax forward Chuba Akpom remains intent on joining Town on a season-long loan, despite Birmingham City’s late attempt to sign him on a permanent basis, TWTD understands.
The TWTD Prediction League 2025/26
With the start of the new season only a few days away, it’s time to register for the TWTD Prediction League 2025/26.
Vote TWTD! - Football Content Awards Nominations Open
Nominations are open for the Football Content Awards 2025, giving you the chance to pay tribute to TWTD and other Town media you enjoy.
Birmingham Make Last-Gasp New Approach For Akpom
Birmingham City reportedly still haven’t given up hope of signing Ajax forward Chuba Akpom, despite the 29-year-old having been in Suffolk to undergo a medical ahead of a loan move this evening.