Blues boss Mick McCarthy says young defender Chris Smith has matured and is a more accomplished player for his loan spell with Vanarama National League South Chelmsford City, from which Town have recalled the 19-year-old.
Smith, who will be on the bench for tomorrow’s game against Leeds, joined the Clarets in September and made 18 appearances for the Essex side.
"I’ve been impressed with him,” McCarthy said. "He’s come back and trained, he just looks more of a bloke. He’s been playing in that level of football that you have to stand up to, it’s a physical game - it’s not the U23s. Adam McDonnell’s done really well [while on loan at Aldershot before Christmas] as well.
"So the loan deals have been good for them and Chris just looks a more accomplished player. He looks like a bloke when he walks through the building now.”
Does the former Kesgrave High School pupil have a future as a first-team player with Town?
"I hope so. But I don’t know yet," McCarthy continued. "Until they play in it you never find out, I guess.
I’ve loved my time at Chelmsford and everyone at the club has been great! Will definitely be looking out for their results and I’m sure they’ll be in the mix come the end of the season– Chris Smith (@Chris_Smith98) January 12, 2018
"Sometimes it has to be an injury crisis or something and somebody gets in and they get a game and then we see. He’s not starting tomorrow but he’s going to be on the bench."
So far Smith, who is contracted until the end of the season, has made one senior appearance for the Blues, as an 81st minute sub in the Carabao Cup tie at Crystal Palace earlier in the season.