Town boss Mick McCarthy says midfielder Jonathan Douglas has been excellent from the moment he joined the Blues on a free transfer from Brentford in the summer.

The 34-year-old has now made 16 starts and three sub appearances and scored his first two goals for the Blues in the back-to-back Rotherham and Wolves games last month.

“Jonny’s been excellent from walking through the door,” McCarthy said. “He’s another one that’s a really good character, is low maintenance, just comes in, does his job and understands the game.

“He’s old enough to understand the game, of course. He does his job, he’s just what it says on the tin, Jonny.

“He’s 34 but he outruns every player every week on the stats. The distance he covers tells you something. But he’s a clever footballer and the third goal at Charlton summed him up.

“Brett Pitman left it but he was aware of where Murph was and picked him out for his second. Delighted with Jonny, he’s great.”

Douglas came into the team soon after signing for the club with the Blues short of central midfield players as Kevin Bru joined Luke Hyam and Teddy Bishop in the opening weeks of the season.

But not everyone immediately took to the former Irish international, reminds McCarthy: “He was an easy one to pick on because he’d just walked in and Kevin Bru got injured and he’s a fans’ favourite.

“Suddenly we weren’t winning games and Dougie was getting it in his ear hole. Let’s clear all that up, let’s not beat around the bush, that is just the way it was.

“Then Dougie scored up at Rotherham and he’s been in the team and he got another goal against Wolves. He’s been great all the time, he’s played very, very well.

“We’re a fickle lot, all of us, aren’t we? When it’s going well, he’s great. Let’s hope that continues.”

Photo: Action Images

bluearmy84 added 17:13 - Dec 8 yes i did watch the game friday and 1st half ipswich played well against a good middlesboro side. 2nd half i agree midfield did go missing once conceded the goal. which game from a long goal kick up field headed backwards by ainsley maitland niles and then cross header backpost. always gonna be tough goin 1 behind mcarthy made changes etc. first goal was always gonna be decider friday and we had enough chances in the game to win it. i personally like douglas.

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airliner added 17:26 - Dec 8 Turns slower than an enormous super tanker
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Michael11 added 18:15 - Dec 8 Douglas is probably our 4th best midfielder when he's fit. Shouldn't be above Skuse, Bishop and Bru in the pecking order. Does a job but very limited skill and gets found out when we play better sides in the league IMO.
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carsey added 19:52 - Dec 8 Douglas doesn't convince me I'm afraid especially alongside Scuse and he definitely isn't the future. I'm sure when McCarthy signed him it was intended he would be back up to Bru Bishop and Hyam but injuries scuppered that. Hopefully they will be back sooner rather than later and the midfield can start dictating play and protecting the "best back five" while they are at it.

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coolcat added 21:27 - Dec 8 Agree Westy. Boro looked surprisingly taken aback in the 1st half, I thought. Saw Tabb and Douglas on the train platform after the match, on my way back to London.
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Keaneish added 21:40 - Dec 8 TerryF - I think Hyam does the dirty work better than Skuse. Thoughts?
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bobble added 02:57 - Dec 9 Is he as good as leadbeter?
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BrettenhamBlue added 05:43 - Dec 9 bobble As good as Leadboots and likely to score more goals. Very capable midfield player. Rate Skuse, Hyam, Bru, Bishop, Mcdonnell, Parr, Toure, Oar, Tabb, AMN and Fraser in our midfield. Henshall, Stewart, Connolly are adequate back ups though Henshall and Stewart aren't really Championship standard (League 1 or 2).
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