x

McKenna: Camara Will Be Involved at Bracknell - Ipswich Town News

Blues boss Kieran McKenna says deadline day signing Panutche Camara will be involved in Monday’s FA Cup first round tie at Bracknell but still has a little way to go before he reaches full fitness.

The 25-year-old Guinea-Bissau international joined Town from Plymouth suffering from a groin problem and so far his only senior involvement has been the second half of the Papa Johns Trophy tie at Cambridge United.

"He's getting closer but still not there yet,” McKenna said. "He played 60 minutes for the U21s last Friday but didn't feel capable to complete any more.

"So he's still working his way back physically. I think it's six months since he had any matches and has missed quite a lot of time, and that's part of the challenge.

"The other challenge is adjusting to the intensity of how we play and how we train. There's an adjustment there for any player and, of course, that is much bigger when you're coming back from quite a lot of time without training properly or in matches.

"He'll be involved in the game on Monday night for sure and hopefully will have some good minutes on the pitch. But in terms of finding his best level, we still think he's got a little way to go.”

Quizzed on whether he’s planning to shuffle his squad for the visit to Bottom Meadow, he said: "I think the starting XI has changed in every game this season, so we'll pick a team as we do for every game that will have enough to win the game.

"We don't have big numbers and we're training with 15 or 16 at the moment. All of those players have started league games over the last month or so, if I'm right. That will be the batch that we go into this game with as well.

"So same as every game, we'll look at the opposition, look at our boys and come up with a team and a strategy that we think is going to be most suitable to go and win the game.”

What to read next:

Ajax 'Putting Pressure on Akpom to Join Birmingham'
Ajax are reportedly putting pressure on Blues target Chuba Akpom to join Birmingham City on a permanent deal rather than Town on a season-long loan.
Safe Standing Removed From Block E
Town have removed the rail seating from Block E of the Cobbold Stand.
McKenna: New Skipper O'Shea Has Shown Leadership and Strength of Character
Town boss Kieran McKenna says Dara O’Shea’s “leadership and strength of character” is what led him to appoint the Irish international the club’s new captain.
Town Announce Squad Numbers
Town have confirmed their squad numbers for the season ahead with new signings Cedric Kipre and Azor Matusiwa handed number four and five respectively and Ashley Young 15.
U21s to Host Derby in Opening Premier League 2 Fixture
Town’s U21s will host Derby County in their first Premier League 2 match on Friday 15th August (KO 7pm).
Birmingham Move For German Striker
Birmingham City appear to have given up hope of signing Blues target Chuba Akpom from Ajax, having turned their attention to Werder Bremen Marvin Ducksch, according to reports in Germany.
Akpom Remains Intent on Joining Town
Ajax forward Chuba Akpom remains intent on joining Town on a season-long loan, despite Birmingham City’s late attempt to sign him on a permanent basis, TWTD understands.
The TWTD Prediction League 2025/26
With the start of the new season only a few days away, it’s time to register for the TWTD Prediction League 2025/26.
Vote TWTD! - Football Content Awards Nominations Open
Nominations are open for the Football Content Awards 2025, giving you the chance to pay tribute to TWTD and other Town media you enjoy.
Birmingham Make Last-Gasp New Approach For Akpom
Birmingham City reportedly still haven’t given up hope of signing Ajax forward Chuba Akpom, despite the 29-year-old having been in Suffolk to undergo a medical ahead of a loan move this evening.