Boss Mick McCarthy has challenged striker Paul Taylor to “be better than the others” and win himself a place in his side during David McGoldrick’s absence through injury.

Taylor, 26, has made only six starts and 11 sub appearances, scoring once, since joining from Peterborough for £1.5 million in the summer of 2012, a foot injury having sidelined him for almost a year.

McCarthy says he and assistant Terry Connor have spent plenty of time working with the Liverpudlian since he returned to fitness: “We’ve done a lot of work with him.

"He came back in pre-season against Colchester, that was really his first time back and that was eight months into my tenure as manager. So, for the first eight months I didn’t see him at all, he was having rehab.

“Since then we’ve had another seven months. I think the injury took a lot out of him, he’s taken a long time to get back. He’s fully fit now but I just think the others were better than him. That’s why he hasn’t played. It’s up to him to be better than the others who are here now.”

He believes Taylor has ability but says he’s got to show him he’s worthy of being picked ahead of his other options with Frank Nouble appearing likely to partner Daryl Murphy at Leicester on Saturday.

“He’s got talent, there’s no doubt about that,” McCarthy said. “He’s got to be better than the others, that’s my view.

“I tell the players, it’s a bit of a secret, but I don’t pick the worst ones, in my mind. Others might have a different view on that, but I don’t pick the worst ones. I try and pick who I think are the better ones.”

Taylor seems likely to get a chance to shine at Leicester, even if it is only from the bench: “He’s in the squad, I’ve got 18 outfield players, so he’s very much got a chance to be involved.”

Photo: Action Images

alfromcol added 13:29 - Feb 21 Don't forget guys, undefeated when Nouble starts, that's why MM picks him!!!!!
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Ipswich_Loyal added 14:18 - Feb 21 Unfortunately Taylor is a yob and likes his drink too much. For that reason he will never be Ipswich Town regular and I have no doubt in my mind he will be shown the door this summer much like Chopra last year. It's a shame as you can't deny his talent, I just think the squad is better off without him and that's the way it is going to be.
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bluelady added 17:52 - Feb 21 Thebeat I have to say I'm actually finding your "my opinion is the only one that counts attitude!"
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bluelady added 17:55 - Feb 21 Lightening boy - i hope your wrong would be so unjust however I fear it will happen.
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boysinblue added 18:03 - Feb 21 we can all see he's better than everyone else but you Mick! i'm fed up
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jas0999 added 18:32 - Feb 21 Must be an attitude issue or not doing enough in training. Whether we like it or not, mick demands 100% all of the time.
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thebeat added 19:18 - Feb 21 bluelady i think you'll find everything i said about Taylor and Nouble are true, therefore facts not opinions. The crux of it is Taylor is a far better player than the useless one, id say 95% of our fans judging by comments on here,the forum, twitter and what i hear at the match agree with me. Mick loves Frank as a person and will play him solely based on that, because as we've all seen it cant be based on what he does on the pitch, 28 years at PR and hes the worst player ive ever seen and i saw Neil Woods and Glenn Pennyfather!!

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Warkys_Tash added 21:00 - Feb 21 Taylor has looked quality when he has played, seems to work hard too. Must be off the pitch where there is a problem? MM not going to risk a public airing of it as that will put his price down - just as not playing him does!
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Karlosfandangal added 23:01 - Feb 21 Beerhelps Funny I work in Peterborough with loads of Posh fans. When I said the posh fans don't rate him I get shot down on here. Taylor is a expensive waste of money and has proved that with his loan back to Posh. 1.5 million and then his wages for 2 years very few get the chance to play football so Taylor man up and earn your wages as it's the fans that are paying them.

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Eeyore added 01:09 - Feb 22 Further to beerhelps comment: I have heard a character reference from a one-time teacher of Mr Taylor. Lets just say, if I removed the obscenities, there would be no words left in the reference! Thankfully MM is a good judge of character and doesn't tolerate w**k*ers.
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