x

McCarthy: Webster Will Play in the Premier League - Ipswich Town News

Town boss Mick McCarthy believes summer signing Adam Webster will go on to play in the Premier League. The 21-year-old, who joined the Blues from Portsmouth in July for £700,000 plus Matt Clarke who moved in the opposite direction, was widely viewed as the man of the match in Saturday’s 0-0 home draw with Aston Villa.

"He’ll go on and play in the Premier League,” McCarthy said. "Hopefully it’s with us, if not it’ll be with somebody else because he’s quick and he can handle the ball.

"Maybe in another team, at Portsmouth he would have been asked to get it and play a bit more, and he can do that.

"We saw that when he played against us [for Pompey in the FA Cup last season], he’s a very capable footballer and he hasn’t done that as much.

"But I think that’s because he’s come up two divisions and he’s learning his trade again.

"What I love about him is he’s bought into our defensive side of the game and he’s got better and better. I’m really pleased with him.”

He added: "He’s a good player, I keep saying that. That’s what I like about him more than anything, his defending. We know he can play, he’s a very talented footballer.”

We understand West Wittering-born Webster’s performance at the weekend caught the eye of watching Premier League scouts, which is not something which would surprise McCarthy.

"People will be watching him, there’s no doubt about that because he can defend but he’s very comfortable with the ball,” he continued. "He can break forward, he’s got two good feet, he’ll play in the Premier League.”

The Town boss spent more money on the 6ft 3in tall former England U18 and U19 international than any other player since he joined the Blues and he says that as a result it’s particularly gratifying to see the move working out.

"It’s always nice, especially if you’ve gone and spent money on them and they turn out to be good," he said.

"If you’re taking free transfers in all the time and Bosmans then you are taking a chance because generally for some reason that’s what they are, but that’s the most we’ve spent on a player. But, to be fair, it looks like it, he’s a good guy.”

What to read next:

Morsy: The Best Spell of My Career and Life
Departing Town captain Sam Morsy has issued a message to fans, teammates, manager Kieran McKenna and his staff following confirmation of his move to Kuwait SC, while the squad and ex-players have paid their own tributes to the Egyptian international.
Town Confirm Morsy Exit For Kuwait SC
Town skipper Sam Morsy’s move to Kuwait SC has been confirmed.
Town Announce Matchday Ticket Prices
Town have confirmed their matchday ticket prices for the Championship season ahead.
Luongo Close to Joining Millwall
Former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo is closing in on joining Millwall following his trial with the Lions.
Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Released Forward Roberts Joins Stevenage
Released Blues U21s forward Matty Roberts has joined League One Stevenage following a trial.
Young Close to Completing Town Move
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is close to completing a move to the Blues on a one-year deal.