x

Iorfa Targeting Future at Centre-Back - Ipswich Town News

Is Town new boy Dominic Iorfa a right-back who can play centre-half or a centre-half who can also operate in the full-back role? Who better to ask than the player himself, who has arrived from Wolves on a season-long loan?

Iorfa, 22, said: "I like to think I’m equally adept at both positions. I have played more games at right-back but ideally, in the long term, I want to be playing as a centre-back. For now, wherever the gaffer decides to play me I will be happy, but in the long run I see myself as a centre-half.

"I was playing at centre-back when I was in the youth team at Wolves and also a few times for the England U21s. Luckily I went on loan to Shrewsbury a few years back and that was where I played a few games at right-back. Kenny Jackett at Wolves decided I would be a good asset on the right of defence, because of my pace, and since then I’ve played most often at right-back.

"I’ve done quite well there. My speed is one of my best attributes so I like to use it when I’m playing right-back, pushing the opposition back and getting forward.

"When I play centre-back I find I’m quite comfortable on the ball and I think my time as a right-back has helped me a lot. There is a lot more pressure playing right-back and for me centre-back is a lot easier. I’m looking to the future and being a centre-back but at the moment I’m only 22 and happy to play anywhere.”

Iorfa revealed that he spoke to former Town loanees Jordan Graham and Richard Stearman before agreeing the switch, adding: "They both said how much they enjoyed their time here and said Ipswich was a nice place and a good club. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the club.

"I joined Wolves when I was 15 or 16 so I’ve been there for a long time and I am under contract there until 2019. They’ve been good to me there. I came through the youth team and it’s a good club but my thoughts are now with Ipswich and trying to do well for them next season. This is a fresh challenge that I am looking forward to.

"I haven’t actually spoken to the new manager at Wolves. When I came back for pre-season he was in Austria with the squad and then I came down here, so I haven’t had any communication with the manager yet. I knew I had his blessing to go out on loan to further my development so that’s about it really.

"I was away with the U21s in the summer so I had extra time off at Wolves. Then I came back and it all happened very quickly.

"I drove up to Wolves and trained for a few days before I had a phone call from the gaffer to say he wanted me down here. The next I knew I was here — it really did happen that quickly.

"To be honest I’m not really thinking about Wolves right now. I wish them all the best for the season but I’m happy to be here at a good club like Ipswich and I’m just focusing on having a good season here.”

Iorfa has been capped by England at U18, U20 and U21 levels but remains eligible to represent Nigeria as a senior international, as his father of the same name did during a playing career that saw him move clubs on a remarkable 22 occasions.

Dominic added: "I still have the option of playing for Nigeria but I’ve had a good time playing for England and I’m not really thinking about my international future at the moment. I just want to focus on my club football with Ipswich and see what happens.”

What to read next:

U21s Defeated By Luton
A strong Blues U21s side was beaten 2-1 by Luton Town at Bent Lane in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon with Tommy Taylor's first-half strike cancelled out after the break by a much-improved Hatters side.
U19s Draw and Lose Final Games at Czech Tournament
Town’s U19s finished lost one and drew one of today’s place play-off matches at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia.
Hirst: Early Confrontation Sign of Morsy's High Standards
George Hirst has revealed he almost came to blows with departed captain Sam Morsy early in his Town career, but believes the incident was illustrative of the high standards maintained by the former Blues skipper.
Former Town Defender Ndaba Set For Serie A
Former Town defender Corrie Ndaba is set to join Serie A Lecce from Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock, according to reports in Italy.
McKenna: New Coach Stanislas Comes Highly Recommended
Town manager Kieran McKenna has spoken about the additions of new first-team coach Junior Stanislas and set-piece analyst Michele Aragona.
McKenna: Young Will Bring Experience, Competitiveness and Edge
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says new signing Ashley Young can give the club different things in different areas, among them his experience, competitiveness and his edge.
Hirst: I Thought We Played Really Well, But Aberdeen Gave Us a Massive Challenge
Town striker George Hirst was pleased to add to his pre-season goals tally during the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: Philogene Very Good Tonight, His Off the Ball Work Was Outstanding
Town manager Kieran McKenna was delighted with Jaden Philogene’s performance in the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: We Got What We Wanted From the Game
Town boss Kieran McKenna said he got what he wanted from the 3-1 friendly win at Aberdeen and believes his side is in general on the right track.
McKenna: Nothing in the Air Regarding Omari's Situation
Town boss Kieran McKenna says there’s “nothing in the air” regarding Omari Hutchinson’s future with the forward having remained behind in Suffolk to train while the Blues were in Aberdeen for this evening’s 3-1 friendly victory.