On-loan central defender Josh Yorwerth has praised Town boss Mick McCarthy and Crawley manager Mark Yates for their willingness to play youngsters. Wales U21 international Yorwerth recently extended his spell with the League Two club until the end of December.
"I think it's a really big thing,” the 20-year-old told Crawley News. "I mean, a lot of managers these days don't trust young players.
"The young players you see in the Premier League and Championship are more likely to be forwards or wingers because the managers feel those are positions where you can take more of a risk.
"It's great that Mick McCarthy at Ipswich gave me a chance in the League Cup. We did well and won, so he kept the same team for the second round and we did well again, so he kept the same team to go to Old Trafford.
"As youngsters we were all shocked and couldn't believe we were going to be playing against Manchester United but it shows that if you do well, work hard and prove yourself then managers like Mick McCarthy and Mark Yates are willing to give youngsters an opportunity. That's big for youngsters."
He says the situation was very different prior to his summer move to the Blues following a successful trial.
”When I was at Cardiff City, we didn't have any of that,” he added. "At Cardiff there was no opportunity for youngsters and the manager [Russell Slade] never gave me, and also a lot of other players, even a chance to train with the first team.
"So now I'm just thankful I'm in a position where I'm working with a gaffer like Mark Yates, who is willing to give opportunities to young players, and also Mick McCarthy, who has given me opportunities.
"You need to start somewhere and for there to be someone to show some belief in you and if you are willing to work hard, listen and learn, then hopefully the right manager will believe in you and chuck you in."