Boss Mick McCarthy says midfield trio Anthony Wordsworth, Stephen Hunt and Jay Tabb gave him something to think about with their displays during Saturday’s 1-0 home victory over Bolton.

With Luke Hyam out injured and loanee Ryan Tunnicliffe having moved on, Hunt and Tabb started in a central three with Cole Skuse, who was replaced by Wordsworth in the 32nd minute after suffering a head injury.

McCarthy pulled out of a deal to sign a midfielder to replace Tunnicliffe on deadline day — almost certainly Paul Green from Leeds — and plans to look at the emergency loan market when that window opens for Football League clubs next Saturday.

The Blues boss hasn’t ruled out a return for Friday’s target but says other players may become available in the wake of clubs’ transfer window business.

However, he says Tabb, Hunt and Wordsworth did their case for more regular involvement at the centre of midfield no harm at all: “I think there’ll be clubs who have taken lots of players in who’ll be having a look and a change around.

“If I need somebody, there’ll be somebody but Tabby, Hunty and Woody have given me plenty to think about.

“I keep saying, I’ve got a good squad and Woody’s added to that today and it’s up to him.

"I thought Hunty and Tabby were different class, considering they’re both supposed to be wide lefties.

"I’ve got a good squad, I’ve not got a big one, but I’ve got a good squad, which is proven as we’re in seventh spot. But we couldn’t afford too many injuries, that’s for sure.”

McCarthy subbed Wordsworth towards the end because he was exhausted having recently missed a fortnight’s training due to illness and wasn’t considered for a start for the same reason: “He knew why he was coming off, he knew because he’s not had that much football.

“It’s only a few weeks ago, after the Preston game, that he ended up with tonsillitis and he didn’t train for two weeks.

“He came back and had a really hard week and must have thought he’d got a chance with the midfield a bit bare, but I said I needed energy, fitness and running power and he’s not going to give me that at the minute because he’s not up to it. He took it in the right way. It wouldn’t have bothered me if he hadn’t.”

Hyam is likely to be back from the gashed leg he suffered at Millwall in time for next week’s game at Barnsley, while Skuse is also expected to be fine for the visit to Oakwell with his head injury not serious.

Photo: Action Images

Scuzzer added 14:59 - Feb 3 ...and the thing about Frank is that he ties up the bigger defenders and so making space for the other two...have a look next time...it may be a reason why Didsy has got 15 so far this season. Sometimes you don't need to be the most skilful and pleasing to the eye to be effective as a footballer. Anyhow...isn't it good to have team that will not get easily turned over any more.

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PimsNumber1 added 15:29 - Feb 3 WE NEED SOMEONE LIKE MC CANN FROM POSH. gOOD MIDFIELDER and good at set pieces
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bohslegend added 16:05 - Feb 3 Totally agree Scuzzer, the scorers get all the plaudits - and in Didsy's case rightly so. But the unsung heroes are the likes of Big Frank and Murph who occupy the attention of the defenders purely because of their energy and physicality. I would bet any money that Didsy would be the first to acknowledge that.
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Jimmy86 added 16:13 - Feb 3 Bohslegend, there is an element of truth in what you say, but what does Nouble offer, other than height, physicality and effort?? when we have taylor sitting on the bench who is a lot more capable than nouble, yet he doesn't get a sniff. Plus for a big man he is rubbish in the air, saying that I remember Stead at 6 ft 3 wasn't that great in the air either. In my eyes Taylor deserves a chance, because he brings more to the table than nouble

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oldelsworthyfan added 17:24 - Feb 3 On Saturday Wordsworth showed us that he has the potential to be a class act for us. He's looking to make that telling pass and not afraid to have a shot at goal either. He won some headers. What he needs is playing time so that he can learn to judge the pace of the game at Championship level. Not every pass is going end up leading to a goal, but he has a much better idea that most of our midfield what might! Give him a run MM!

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BlueArmy01 added 17:39 - Feb 3 I think the truth is Mick has bugger all money to spend and he is trying to make us and himself feel better about it.
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blueboy1981 added 18:03 - Feb 3 ....... a 'Hunt' type player is a must in any team, Wordsworth is very capable of being a 'class above' - and as for Tabb - not sure, but his enthusiasm is admirable - is there much else to him tho' ??
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blueboy1981 added 18:28 - Feb 3 .... I think as much as many of us recognise Nouble' s shortfalls, MM is going to continue playing him regardless - therefore the continuous criticism (myself included) is not going to improve him. So what are our options ? - I think we have only one, and that is to accept it, encourage him, and just hope he improves significantly. What are the Coaches doing if he cannot head the ball ? - I have had players playing for me over the years of all ages that couldn't, but they can all be taught how to, almost without exception !! Why not Nouble ? - and let's be honest - he can't !!

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Walk_the_Wark added 18:31 - Feb 3 Lose Nouble- ANYONE else would be better. People say don't criticise McCarthy's judgement, but Nouble is a prime example- EVERYONE but him can see he's s**t
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blueboy1981 added 19:11 - Feb 3 Wordsworth is potentially totally different class - problem for him is Mick would prefer a Suffolk Punch to a Silky Race Horse every time. I personally hope he has a huge future here - but somehow suspect not - genuinely hope to be proved wrong by the Gaffer.
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htb added 19:25 - Feb 3 I am not sure how any midfielder, or for that matter any other player, other than Gerkin come out of this match with much credit. Bolton clearly the better team first half and created a couple of good chances. Our centre backs did not win a header for the first 30 mins. A fortuitous penalty drained what little confidence they had and they were dire after that. Depressingly whilst we got better I cannot remember us creating a clear cut chance. So if this is a good performance from Tabb and co I despair.

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alfromcol added 19:25 - Feb 3 Scuzzer & bohslegend spot on guys. Nouble very disruptive against the Bolton big guys when he played up the middle in the second half. This is why Mick plays him, not pretty but disruptive, leaving space and opportunity for others. We all have to remember that we are not watching Man C, Arsenal etc on Sky TV this is ITFC in the Championship.
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thebeat added 21:43 - Feb 3 People defending Nouble, ive heard it all now, how did he disrupt their big guys? He was out breakdancing on the wing all game. All managers have a blind spot and the man with his feet on the wrong legs is Micks im afraid. Worst player ive seen at Portman Road in the 28 years ive been going.
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