x

McKenna: Philogene a Strong Option on the Right - Ipswich Town News

Town boss Kieran McKenna says January signing Jaden Philogene is a strong option on the right but says the 23-year-old is also capable of playing on the left.

Philogene, who joined the Blues from Aston Villa for an initial £20 million in January, bagged his fourth England U21s goal in the friendly victory over Portugal last week, cutting in from the left and curling a low right-footed shot into the corner of the net.

So far, most of his football for Town has come on the right with the Blues short on numbers in that area after Chiedozie Ogbene and Wes Burns suffered long-term injuries.

"I think in the long term, he's definitely someone who can do both [the left and the right] and that's part of the idea with Jaden coming here, which is that he's a player who can develop in both,” McKenna said.

"He did both last year for Hull as well and for a right-footer, playing on the right opens up certain things a little bit easier. It's easier to go outside, cross, maybe shoot on the outside. Playing on the left makes it a little bit easier for certain things.

"Certainly, it's the case at the moment that we're short of right-sided options. After Jaden arrived was when we lost Wes for the season, so that's made us a lot lighter on the right and heavier on the left. 

"It's not impossible that he'll play some minutes on the left, as he has already, but I think he's certainly a strong option for us on the right at the moment and that's where the biggest area of need is with the squad at the moment.”

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.