Blues boss Mick McCarthy has told Michael Chopra and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas to show that they are worth a place in his team. The duo have been on the bench for the new manager’s first two games, the former Arsenal man making a brief appearances as a sub in both matches.

McCarthy says Chopra came to see him for a chat on Friday morning: “I’ve just had words with him, he just came to see me. I said ‘Get in my team’.

“He was just seeing the position, we’ve been here a week and we’ve had two games. He wants to play, and I’m happy. My door’s open for players who want to come and play.”

He says the former England U21 international has always impressed him: “I’ve come here and I hear all the stories about him, whatever it might be.

“I remember him and I know him as Michael Chopra playing against my teams — always a threat, always a goalscorer. Prove to me you should be in the team.”

McCarthy is confident that he can get the best out of the striker: “I hope so, I generally do.

"Players that have played for me, I think you’d find if you went around most would come and play for me again. There would be one or two that wouldn’t but I wouldn’t want them either.”

He was pleased with Chopra’s performance in the 1-0 U21 defeat to Swansea on Wednesday: “I thought Michael Chopra did really well in the U21s.

“I was pleased with his work ethic, with his link-up play. He’s not been playing so he’s not right at it.”

Chopra himself has tweeted that he and the rest of the squad are determined to get the Blues out of the relegation zone: “The players will do all they can for this club.

“It’s a great football club to play for and, believe me, come the end of season, Ipswich Town will not be in the bottom three.”

As for Emmanuel-Thomas, McCarthy says he’s being put through his paces at Playford Road: “He’s getting worked, he’s having work from Terry Connor in front of goal.

“He’s another one who’s got to get in my team. I know all about his ability — prove it, get in the team.”

The new boss added: “It’s amazing at a football club, it’s always the same, the best players are always not playing.

“And then they come and knock on your door, you play them and then you remember that they’re not the best players, because they’re not.

“It’s like when they’re on the bench sat behind you. Everybody’s always the best player, then you put them on and you realise they’re not the best players.

“Get in the team, stay in, prove to me, prove to everybody else. It’s a great job that, I’d love that, if you’re the best, you stay in the team. I generally try to pick the best team, not the worst team.”

Photo: Action Images

Keaneish added 12:07 - Nov 10 'kin right Mick! Good to hear these noises. Earn the shirt, the badge and the respect.
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TimmyH added 12:29 - Nov 10 Nice to see Mick is starting 'fresh' regardless of names in the squad, you gotta fight for your right...to be in or near the starting 11. Good management.
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algarvefan added 12:54 - Nov 10 Good management....hope we'll be ok this season, it's all about survival now for me!
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runningout added 12:55 - Nov 10 Chopra and Thomas seem fragile charactors, and are still suffering from the slagging off they got.. wouldnt like to think they are soft and cant get over it....
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mrivancampo added 12:59 - Nov 10 Chops has GOT to play. This is more evidence that mm would rather play loanees than out permanat signings. Poor form nick! We need to sign some more strength in midfield, I think all tho talk about our defence being weak is nonsense, if we have a good midfield they will help the defence. Play choppy at CB if neccesary
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KiwiBlue2 added 22:00 - Nov 10 Chopra has undoubted ability. He just needs to focus on his football and put the off-field nonsense behind him. I suspect that McCarthy will give him a chance and if Chopra blows it he could be on his way. We need players who are totally committed to the club rather than their off-field activities if we are to prosper. The manager can only go so far in the end the player(s) have to want to do it.

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