x

McKenna: Keeper Gray Growing Into the Group - Ipswich Town News

Blues boss Kieran McKenna says young keeper Henry Gray is developing well and growing into the first-team group, the New Zealand U20 international having signed a new contract earlier in the week.

Gray, 19, joined Town last summer from New Zealand Central League side Waterside Karori following a trial at the end of the previous campaign. He was previously with A-League club Wellington Phoenix’s reserves.

"He's a good goalkeeper and he's grown into the group,” McKenna said. "Cieran Slicker has got a little injury at the moment, so he's going to be out for a few weeks with a hand injury.

"Irrespective of that, Henry's been training with a group a lot lately and he's really adapting to the level.

"And, of course, now Cieran being out for a few weeks, he's got an even more prominent role.

"He’s developing well and [head of goalkeeping] Rene [Gilmartin]’s happy with him and I think the goalkeeping department's in a good place.”

Gray spent time training with the All Whites senior side in October last year and during the summer was an alternate for the New Zealand squad at the Paris Olympics but without being called upon.

What to read next:

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.
Former Town Youth Coach Owen Dies
Former Town youth coach Brian Owen has died, aged 80.
Emmanuel-Thomas Joins AFC Totton
Ex-Town forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has joined National League South AFC Totton following his release from prison on parole.
Young Watches Son as U21s Beat Needham
Former England star and apparent Town target Ashley Young watched his son Tyler feature as a trialist for Town's U21s on Tuesday evening as they beat 10-man Needham Market 2-1 at Bloomfields in a pre-season friendly.
Young Watching Town U21s at Needham
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is watching Town’s U21s in friendly action at Needham Market with his son Tyler on trial with John McGreal’s squad.