Boss Mick McCarthy says he’s confident that 18-year-old James Blanchfield will make the grade and will make a contribution during the season ahead.

Blanchfield travelled with the senior squad on a couple of occasions last season and was handed the number 43 squad number but didn’t break into a matchday 18.

The central midfielder, who signed a one-year deal with an option for a further season earlier in the month, was with Arsenal’s youth set-up for eight years before joining the Blues in July 2014, having previously spent time on trial with Manchester United.

After impressing McCarthy having come on as a late sub in the 2-1 win at Shelbourne on Saturday, Southend-born Blanchfield played the second half of Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat at Barnet in an unfamiliar right-sided role with his neat passing again catching the eye.

“Blanch has always been one that I’ve fancied would come through, that I know will come through because he’s a good player,” McCarthy said.

“He’s progressing physically as well. Twelve months ago he looked like a skinny kid, but he’s put some shoulders and some beef on him now and he can handle this.

“Technically he’s very good and I think he’ll contribute to the season. I like him, I think he’s a good player.”

Meanwhile, McCarthy is pleased that another young midfielder, 19-year-old Adam McDonnell put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with an option for a further season earlier in the week.

“I thought he did well at the end of last season, played against Derby and had a good game,” the Blues manager said. “He’s still got some progression in him, so it’s nice to have him tied up.”

Photo: Action Images

BrettenhamBlue added 06:49 - Jul 15 prefer Blanchfield on the right side to Giles Coke. He didn't have a good season last year but at least will continue to improve game after game. Bishop is the other obvious candidate to play that side.
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MattinLondon added 08:55 - Jul 15 The number of central midfielders we have be it senior or younger players is ridiculous. Maybe MM needs to b ruthless and get rid of Hyam, Bru, Coke.
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MattinLondon added 08:57 - Jul 15 Blanch!!! He has a nickname.....he must be good.
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muccletonjoe added 10:07 - Jul 15 A very good passer of the ball. Maybe the type of player who really does come on with first team experience
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GerkensBeard added 12:01 - Jul 15 Agree a few midfield players need to be released to let these boys through. I'd get rid of Douglas and Coke. Keep hyam as he's the other CDM besides Skuse. Really excited by our youth coming through at the moment. All be it the only thing to be excited about! Feels like we could have a derby type midfield in the next few years with their home grown talents in Will Hughes and Jeff Hendrick

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Lolocaust6 added 14:01 - Jul 15 Is all this talk of youngsters coming through an indication that we will be relying on these kids as backup and doing nothing in the transfer and loan market?
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rickw added 15:47 - Jul 15 If these kids are good enough we don't want to sign players to get in their way!
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graham2408 added 17:23 - Jul 15 Several youngsters have been mentioned favourably at the back end of last season and during the close season but some of them need to be picked and given a chance during the coming season. Mr. McCarthy seems reluctant to pick them unless we are safe.
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