Mick McCarthy has challenged Manchester City youngster Bersant Celina to emulate Ryan Fraser and Tom Lawrence’s loan spells at Portman Road during the 2017/18 campaign.
The 20-year-old Kosovo international expected at the club to undergo a medical and complete the formalities on his season-long loan switch in the next few days in time to travel to Ireland for the training camp at the Carton House Hotel in a week’s time.
Bournemouth wideman Fraser caught the eye during 2015/16 with the Blues, while Leicester's Lawrence top-scored with 11 goals last season.
"We’re trying to get that done, and hopefully we will,” McCarthy said regarding the Celina deal.
"We’ve been looking for a replacement for Tom Lawrence. No pressure on him there, is there? Player of the year in every department.
"But Tom came in and I can’t remember everyone thinking that that was the best signing in the world.
"We’d had Ryan Fraser the year before and how good he was, but yet I never hear them mention Ryan. So I’m hoping that Bersant Celina can do that.
"He’s a similar type, right-footed, left winger, can play in behind the striker but I really want him to play in that wide left area, hopefully in a four and if necessary in a three.”
He added: "We watch players all the way through the season in terms of lining them up and having wish-lists and things that we might be able to do and things that we can do.
"We had Ryan Fraser the season before last, we had Tom Lawrence this season playing in that position and we’re all hoping he’s going to emulate them and be a great player for us.”