Town boss Mick McCarthy says Ainsley Maitland-Niles’s performance and goal were amongst the few highlights from last week’s 2-1 FA Cup third round replay defeat at Portsmouth. The on-loan Arsenal youngster curled home his second goal since joining the Blues in the summer in the 60th minute.
"I’m sure he was delighted with his goal,” McCarthy said. "He’s done really well for us, Ainsley. But he lost his slot because Freddie and Ryan have been playing exceptionally well.
"But that’s the response you want, I thought he played well the other night. Certainly in the second half he played very well and got his goal.”
The Town boss has been pleased with the England U19 international’s season so far, particularly as he'd made only three senior sub appearances for the Gunners before his loan move to Portman Road.
Since making his Blues debut on the opening day of the season at Brentford, the Londoner has made 20 starts and five sub appearances.
"He’s only 18, he’s never done this, 46 games in the Championship,” McCarthy added. "He’s a good player, he’s played well for us.”