New boy Josh Yorwerth is loving life at Ipswich after being released by first club Cardiff, despite having gained a place in the Wales U21 side.
The 20-year-old Welshman is a likely starter at Doncaster tonight after doing his bit to book Town’s spot in the second round of the Capital One Cup by scoring in the 2-1 first round victory over Stevenage at Portman Road a fortnight ago when he made his first team debut for the club.
Bridgend-born Yorwerth recalled that victory and said: "It was a special moment for me and we won the game, which was the main thing. The manager played me and I was thankful for the opportunity and obviously grabbing a goal as well was a bonus for me. I was really, really pleased.
"I’m very big and I get myself in there for the corners and stuff, so I like to think I’m a threat when I’m attacking set pieces.
"But the most important thing was that we won the game and I helped. I was very, very nervous going into my first professional game, to be honest with you.
"The intensity was a lot different to playing U21 football, I can tell you that. It was a big step and I’m glad it’s out of the way and done. Now I can push on.
"I think I got better as the Stevenage game went on. The first 45 minutes was an eye-opener for me as I got to grips with the game but I think I did that a bit more in the second half and I started to play my game a bit better.
"Obviously, the goal gave me confidence and I just progressed through the game.”
Yorwerth was released by Cardiff at the end of last season, by which time Town had already assessed him during a trial period and decided to offer him a two-year deal.
Asked to describe himself as a centre-half he responded: "A defender, first and foremost. For the first goal against Stevenage I don’t think I defended properly but I like to think I rectified the situation by scoring the equaliser.
"I sort of came to life in the second half — my headers were better and I won my personal battles.
"I prefer the physical side of things — nobody’s going to get the better of me on that side of the game.
"I enjoyed the game against Stevenage and when they fetched their number nine on I kind of preferred it because he wanted to play against me, which meant he wanted to fight with me and I knew it was going to be a fight. I was happy with that.”
Several family members were present for Yorwerth’s scoring debut but his biggest fan, father Robert, will be absent from the Keepmoat Stadium for tonight’s tie when manager McCarthy will again introduce some of the younger members of his squad.
The player added: "My dad is actually down in Newquay with his girlfriend and her kids so he won’t be able to make it but my nan and grandpa will be there.
"They were all very pleased with how I did against Stevenage and it will be good to see them again.”