Town have signed former Charlton and Yeovil defender Kelly Youga on a short-term deal until January. The 27-year-old left-back, Mick McCarthy's first signing as Blues boss, was a free agent having left the Glovers in March.

Born in Bangui in the Central African Republic, Youga started his career with Olympique Lyonnais's B side before joining Charlton in 2005.

The 6ft 1in tall full-back spent six years at the Valley, making 69 starts and two sub appearances in addition to periods on loan at Bristol City, Bradford and Scunthorpe.

After leaving Charlton in the summer of 2011, he joined Yeovil but left by mutual consent the following March having made only one 45-minute substitute appearance for the League One side.

Prior to that his most recent domestic first team appearance was for Charlton in a 4-2 victory over Bristol Rovers in November 2009. A knee injury saw him miss the whole of the following season.

Youga won his one and so far only full international cap with the Central African Republic in June.

The signing would appear to be primarily experienced cover for first-choice left-back Aaron Cresswell, although new manager Mick McCarthy did experiment with pushing the former Tranmere man in to midfield in the latter stages of the defeat at Crystal Palace. However, given his lack of first team football over the last three years, it might be a while before he is up to speed.

Youga, who has also played at centre-half, has been added to the squad for tonight's Suffolk Premier Cup game at Walsham-le-Willows (KO 7.45pm).

Photos: Action Images/ITFC

Photo: Action Images

meekreech added 14:33 - Nov 13 MM must have some vision , or some scouts we do not know of , to bring this out of thin air ! If he has brought him in , if only on a short term contract , he must have some chance of becoming a worthwhile signing . MM , in my humble opinion , would not waste time with players who will not come up to his requirements and bring some thing to the team .
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flashblue added 14:45 - Nov 13 He can't be any worse than Cresswell.
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floridaboy added 14:46 - Nov 13 A left back. At last. Lets be honest Cresswell has had not competition and quite frankly has had a crap season so far. Something to do with an Aston Villa story maybe!! Pushing Cresswell to left midfield and Edwards on the other side, playing Campbell and Murphy up front. Like it. Like it a lot!! Short term contract and if he proves to be a good player then a longer contract could follow and at 6ft 1in. gives the defence a bit more height. Good one MM!

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kuyski added 14:50 - Nov 13 no any doubt with MM decision！MM have enough exprience to get the players what should suitable for the team，In Mick we trust !!!
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Taricco_Fan added 15:03 - Nov 13 Competition and cover for Cresswell, simple as that. I don't know anything about the guy but looks a shrewd move on the face of it. I guess Mick will look to have two reliable players for every position on the field. That's how a good squad should work.
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essexblue41 added 15:04 - Nov 13 who the hell is he????
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Lennyboy added 15:07 - Nov 13 I am really pleased we have Big Mac, I'm sure he will turn things round and keep us up; I only hope he stays with us. So far so good, I know we may still have some hiccups but using the same ratio as his current win rate; he will gain us another 18 points by Christmas. First time I liked a Big Mac without fries. COYB!!!!
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ericclacton added 15:10 - Nov 13 He's kelly youga essexblue41.
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BoredWithThisNow added 15:16 - Nov 13 He's left other clubs "by mutual consent" so he'll fit in like a dream here.
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squonk added 16:00 - Nov 13 Well done Mick. I think this guy could be a good signing for us. For those who keep asking you he is, check him out on youtube. He looks fairly decent.
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Gazelle added 16:06 - Nov 13 If he's currently out of work hopefully he'll try hard to win a contract. Might be alright.
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howdonblue added 16:16 - Nov 13 Hear hear warkys Tash !!! Do one Daleyitfc ... IN MICK WE TRUST
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Kesgraveblue57 added 16:22 - Nov 13 If this guy comes good we all will have seen a miracle, he had 45 minutes with Yeovil !! but you never know, I wish him luck
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itfc4ever1972 added 20:34 - Nov 13 Agree that Super Mick seems to be very quickly getting to grips with our defence. Not heard of this lad before so perhaps keep an open mind until we see him, and see how we use him.
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itfc4ever1972 added 21:09 - Nov 13 happy with this
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beerhelps added 21:48 - Nov 13 Leave Daley alone! He is the only one who consistantly gets more negatives than me - and makes me laugh out loud. (I miss the legend that is/was Basil Smallpiece) This site wouldn't be the same without such Daley classics as 'Wrightys still the best goalie in England'!
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