Town boss Mick McCarthy says new loan signing Paul Digby will be viewed as a first-teamer from the off, rather than as a player initially only involved with Mark Kennedy’s development squad.

The 20-year-old joined on loan from Barnsley for the rest of the season on Saturday and watched the 0-0 draw with Burnley at Turf Moor from the stands.

“I’ve had him here for a week, I’ve taken him with a view to being a first-team player, not to be anything else and if we can develop him and get something out of him then it’ll be a good signing,” McCarthy said.

Digby, who is 6ft 4in tall, has played most of his football up to now as a central midfielder and has also operated at right-back, but the Town boss sees him as a central defender.

He added: “I’m hoping he’s going to be a very good player for us, but we’ll see. He’s been with England for the U19s and U20s and I’m hoping he’s going to make a good centre-half with us, we’ll see.”

Born in Sheffield Digby came through the ranks at Oakwell and won their Most Promising Academy Player award in 2008.

He made his senior debut as a 16-year-old in September 2011 but totals only 11 starts and 14 sub appearances for the Tykes with his only games this season one League One start and two matches from the bench in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Digby, who spent time on trial with Manchester United earlier this year, is contracted to Barnsley until the summer of 2017.

Photo: Action Images

blueboy1981 added 20:48 - Jan 6 ....... as I said 'best left there' - WITHOUT the need for me to be abusive. Simply stating facts - is completely different. Shame you cannot understand that.
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