Town midfielder Anthony Wordsworth is determined to prove manager Mick McCarthy wrong and establish himself as a first-team regular.

It has been a frustrating time for the former Colchester player, with injury interrupting his career to the extent that he has only managed half a dozen first team starts since his £100,000 move in January last year.

But he is adamant that he never considered moving away from Portman Road and explained: “I’ve got another year, maybe two, on my contract because there is an option year in my favour if I decide to take it up.

“Maybe going on loan was an option. A few clubs [including Preston] came in for me but the manager decided it wasn’t the right time for me to go so I had to stick around and thankfully I’ve managed to get a few games.”

Asked to describe his relationship with McCarthy he added: “Off the pitch he’s been good to me. He’s a good manager — I think he’s a great manager — but it’s difficult when you’re not playing and then it’s hard to say good things about him.

“He’s a good man and he’s been loyal to the other players, like when Skusey got injured and he put him back in. I can’t really complain because if that had been me I would have been angry if I hadn’t been put back in.

“But he also said that if you come in and do well you keep your place, and that wasn’t the case against Nottingham Forest. I did well against Brighton and Derby and ended up sitting in the stand, which was hard.

“It almost makes you give up or lose faith in football. But what can you do? You can either moan about it or get on with it and I’ll certainly do my best to get back in the team.

“It was difficult because I knew what I could do. I thought that I should have been in the team but for whatever reason I wasn’t. It was hard and there’s a saying that when one door closes another one opens, but I’m still trying to boot down the door and prove the manager wrong.”

Photo: Action Images

WhoisJimmyJuan added 07:58 - Apr 8 As I said on another page, its a fine line between making a player hungry and making him want to leave, and Woody is clearly wavering now. Can't say I want to lose him particularly as you never know if you will be able to bring in someone as good/creative.
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jabberjackson added 07:59 - Apr 8 The boy has spirit and a touch of derring doo. I like him immensely
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truthhurts added 08:34 - Apr 8 Has Mick and his coaches done a great job at this Club so far? Undeniably Yes Will i be renewing my season ticket once again next year? Already have Neither of things, however, deny the fact Mick most certainly has his favourites. How can you tell someone that if they play well they keep their place, only to drop them completely from the squad! Shows a complete lack of respect to the player involved. Whether you like the player or not, this has happened to Loach, Taylor and Wordsworth a few times this season now... Would suggest it doesn't do much for morale!!

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SouperJim added 09:58 - Apr 8 "Favourites"? It's about picking the players he feels are best to get us the 3 points. Bleeting on about "favourites" is complete nonsense. Yes Mick has said if you get in and you prove yourself, you keep your place. However, it's possible to play well and yet still not do enough to prove you're a better option than the next man in the eyes of the manager. It's really not that hard to understand. Case in point Scott Loach, he's just not as consistent as Gerken, doesn't command his box as well and doesn't have the same understanding with the back 4. Yes he can come in and play well, make great saves on his line etc, but if he doesn't show he is ironing out these shortfalls in his game then Gerks will be picked again when fit.

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BartsGreatBeard added 12:18 - Apr 8 i hope you do woody the sooner someone removes that useless bellend hyam out of the team the better
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