Town boss Mick McCarthy says he’s not ruling out using Jonny Parr in midfield from the start of games, the Norwegian full-back having impressed wide on the left in the second half of a couple of recent games.

The 26-year-old scored his second goal of the season having come on as a sub in midfield in the 3-1 win at Millwall and again did well having switched from left-back when Tyrone Mings came on at half-time during Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.

“There are all those possibilities, of course,“ McCarthy said when quizzed on whether Parr might be used more regularly in midfield.

“He scored what turned out to be the convincing winner at Millwall and he’s a threat going forwards, certainly.

“We know that when he does it from full-back but he looks equally comfortable doing it from wide left, or wide right.

“So, I’ve got 18 players to play the rest of the games, unless we get anybody else in on loan, and it’s important that they can adapt and play other positions.

“It’s important that I know I can actually change players and know that I’m going to get the same out of everybody coming in as I have from the ones who have been in the team.”

Speaking earlier in the season, Parr revealed that he actually started as a forward before a spell playing at wide midfield before finally settling at his now primary position of left-back.

He added: “I was a striker when I was young, until about 18 or 19, and I got my first professional contract as a striker. Then I started to play on the wing in a 4-3-3 system and later 4-4-2 before I dropped back.

“Getting forward has always been a big part of my game and I want to contribute offensively. We had some injuries and I had to play at full-back. I did well and I kind of just stayed there."

McCarthy is also pleased to have the ability to make a significant number of changes of personnel to his team without weakening the side.

On Tuesday he switched five players, which he says will have today’s opposition guessing at his team selection.

“It might be good for us if Fulham are wondering what I’m going to do,” he added. “That might be productive for us because generally we know each other’s team.

“I think they’ll probably know how I’ll play, although that’s not always a given. I’m loyal to players and I like players who know they’re going to be playing in the team because they’ve played well and think they’ve given the gaffer everything they’ve got.

“But I explained my reasons why I changed it and it’s great that they all came in and they won and it creates competition for places.”

He says the victory over the Owls was an important one and the task now is to build on it: “Before the game we were getting to the stage where we really needed a win. After the game we’ve won and now we really need to consolidate.

“That’s never been different, whether that’s now or the start of the season, the middle of the season.

“The only difference is that they’ll be running out of games shortly, so we’re coming to the thin end of the wedge.

“We need the points, we don’t want to drop out of the top six at this stage, that’s for sure. We still want to keep aiming at those top two places.”

Photo: Action Images

muccletonjoe added 06:47 - Feb 14 Very much depends on who mick selects today, the ones who came in midweek will certainly feel aggrieved if they are dropped next game
5

stevelincsexile added 07:06 - Feb 14 I think Ambrose will feel aggrieved. I was impressed by hie performance, his first full start in the league and of all the midfielders he offers the biggest goal threat.
5

ZurichBlue added 07:29 - Feb 14 "I'm loyal to players and I like players who know they're going to be playing in the team because they've played well". Commendable but one of Mick's weaknesses is that he shows that same loyalty even when players do not play well - he has his favourites as most will agree. My concern is that he will revert back to his favourites Terrific Tabby and Different Class Ando - I hope I'm wrong.

6

truckertractorboy added 07:57 - Feb 14 When he and mings combine on the left they can b dangerous so why not change it once in awhile
0

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 08:33 - Feb 14 Can't remember Parr letting us down. Very smart acquisition by Mick. Play him regularly as a left mid. and he and Mings will provide a threat on that side, without doubt.
3

CavendishBlue added 08:41 - Feb 14 Bart Parr Chambo Berra Smith Mings Bru Skuse Bish Sears Murph Subs gerks Clarke Ambrose s Hunt N Hunt Stewart Didz end off
0

brittaniaman added 08:53 - Feb 14 Is MM. feeling guilty that he has left a couple of his favourites out of the line up ??? So come on MM. no sentiments please !!! Pick your strongest team of the moment !!!
3

Langdon_Blue added 10:56 - Feb 14 I wonder whether Barts howler to gift Sheff Wed their goal the other night, might give Gerken a chance...hopefully not!
1

thebeat added 11:36 - Feb 14 Hes not bad in midfield, id say this is more Mick saying "hes not playing at rightback because i dont want to upset Smith"
1

jas0999 added 12:22 - Feb 14 Agree that Parr was a threat from midfield, but he is a full back. We should have adequate quality from a natural midfielder for that position, rather than rely on a defender. If we haven't then a new signing is required or should have been sought long before now.
0

Seasider added 12:34 - Feb 14 I do hope that Mick approaches game with a positive outlook and plays the same team that did so well last time out. Notice he has mentioned Tabby and Ando pre match but really hope he doesn't play them or the 'Hunt Sisters' After Micks private chat with Cameron Stewart hope he at least puts him on the bench with hopefully a cameo appearance
0

bluesince84 added 14:37 - Feb 14 Not from the F*****G BENCH HE AINT mICK!!!!!
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls