Blues manager Mick McCarthy says he’s a big fan of his Millwall counterpart Kenny Jackett, who celebrated five years in his current job at the start of last month.

McCarthy, a former Millwall boss himself, is pleased for the former Wales international: “I know Kenny and Kenny’s a good manager, and I’m delighted for him. He’s been there for five years and has been slowly, slowly building that team.

“They had a tough start [to the season] but they’ve recovered. Watford had a tough start and look where they are [sixth]. We had a tough start and we’re just making progress.”

He says Jackett has assembled his squad over his time in charge: “I think he’s done well over the last five years he’s been there. He’s been able to build that team, coach that team, work with them, get players in.

“You get somebody who can change your season around. He’s signed Chris Wood [on loan from West Brom], he’s scoring goals, he’s got a good relationship with Andy Keogh and they just look a solid outfit with a goalscorer, and that makes a hell of a difference.”

McCarthy added: “I like Kenny, his teams have been good. He’s got them promoted and without spending shed loads of money he’s just kept them very solid.

“That’s a big job to have, that’s a good job. I don’t know what the budget is, but let me tell you, it’s a good club to manage.

“It doesn’t feel like anything other than a big club while you’re there, budget apart, because the fans. It’s a demanding place, they expect you to win games.

“There’s none of that turning up and applauding them if they’re not playing well. It’s a good grounding to have. But he’s had five years of it, so he knows all about it.”

McCarthy is pleased to see that Jackett has been given time, contrary to the situation at a lot of Championship clubs in recent years: “That was the stat, 15 months, which is crazy really.

“It’s refreshing when you see someone who can thrive and prosper and continue to do well. I’m pleased for Kenny because he’s been good at Millwall.”

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