Town boss Mick McCarthy says midfielder Anthony Wordsworth won’t be going out on loan to Rotherham, despite the League One club having made an enquiry. The 25-year-old will start for the Blues in Saturday’s home FA Cup tie against Preston.

McCarthy confirmed that he had heard from his Millers opposite number: “I’ve had that call, I’ve just tried to ring Steve Evans back because he’s left me a message, firstly, to say it wasn’t him that put it out and, secondly, to ask if he can have him. Well no, because he’s playing tomorrow. He’s involved my squad.

The Town boss, who had been looking to get the former Colchester man out on loan before the November deadline, believes the Londoner ought to do well in the system he has employed recently: “The way we’ve been playing with three midfield players would suit Woody more than it does at 4-4-2.

“I’ve had that discussion with him, to knuckle down, pull his finger out and give me a problem by playing well tomorrow.

“Because, if we’re playing with three in the middle, which has worked for us and playing against a lot of the teams now in the Championship it suits us better and he’s better employed in that system, so the reality is he’s got to give me a problem.”

Photo: Action Images

LankHenners added 13:58 - Jan 3 Excellent news to know that he's starting tomorrow! This is his chance to show Mick that he deserves to be played. Come on Woody, show everyone what you're capable of!
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samsonblue added 14:00 - Jan 3 Interesting. Good to see him in the team. MM obviously going to play a 433 system then, or why say what he said. Good game for bringin in hunt, SEB, Mings, Taylor. But what team will he play??
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jonnieb57 added 14:08 - Jan 3 Sounds worrying to me. If MM is going to play players like AW then perhaps he isn't too bothered about winning. Preston are riding high in D1. They will not be push overs. Tinkering with the team on New Year's Day may have cost us 3 points. If you are going to play fringe players, then surely he should have played JM and be going to play KH. If AW was good enough and pushed himself enough he would already be playing.

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algarvefan added 15:01 - Jan 3 The FA cup should only be a 'pleasant distraction' for Town and the ideal time to play fringe players. Promotion challenges can be killed by cup runs!!! Still hope we win though......
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MaySixth added 15:04 - Jan 3 Imagine if we won this game and got a plum home draw. KERCHING. It's not as if we don't need the money.
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irishtim added 17:40 - Jan 3 Agree totally with you HennersITFC. This is a great chance for him. If he does well and creates for SEB and whoever else starts upfront tomorrow it could solve some midfield issues.
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Bobby_Petta added 19:36 - Jan 3 Can't agree with you there jonnieb57, for me he should be in the team, end of last season he looked good in the middle, scored a few goals to. His the creative play maker with have lacked all season, Tabb was useless on saturday side ways or backwards passing and didn't win any tackles, Hyam, Skuse and Woody would be a better three, would take the pressure of Hyam as he is playing a more forward role which isn't his nature position. Would like to see Hunt given a chance the middle to. Give Taylor another run out needs games look good first half, maybe try him wide.

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runningout added 08:16 - Jan 4 this game has defeat written all over it, and another sorry effort in this great cup competition..
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