Town boss Mick McCarthy says Town have a “real core of good young players” at the club having added four 21-year-olds to the academy’s numerous talented prospects over the summer.

Centre-halves Adam Webster and Paul Digby, signed earlier in the summer from Portsmouth and today’s opponents Barnsley, were this week joined at Portman Road by widemen Grant Ward, recruited for an initial £500,000 from Spurs, and Conor Grant, who moved on loan from Everton.

McCarthy believes it’s part of his job to put the foundations for the club’s future in place.

“I do think that’s part of my role,” he said. “It’s easy to lump a team in with all senior players, older players, but I think at the club there is a real core of good young players.

“If you look at Adam Webster, Grant Ward, Bish, Doz, Adam McDonnell, Diggers and Josh, Myles Kenlock, James Blanchfield’s come in and he’s done well when he’s played, and even below that, Tristan Nydam, Flynn Downes, Ben Morris.

“I think we have to try and get them through because we’re not going to go and spend £10 million on somebody.”

Photo: Action Images

LegendofthePhoenix added 06:20 - Aug 6 Agreed Mick. It's a new leaf for you, and about time. Looking forward to seeing all the young talent develop
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Blue_Meanie added 06:32 - Aug 6 Enough with the nicknames, you're the manager
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muccletonjoe added 06:55 - Aug 6 These lads are the best we have had in donkeys years. Give them their chance mick
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lightingblue added 07:10 - Aug 6 Let's all agree. Isn't it great so many good quality youngsters coming through and needing to push through to the 1st team on a regular place
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MedwayTractor added 07:51 - Aug 6 Still no mention of Monty Patterson!
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carsey added 08:27 - Aug 6 My guess is most of them won't get a game or if they do it will be a few minutes off the bench or the situation will be forced on McCarthy due to injury. Most of those named seem to be footballing players rather than typical McCarthy hoof ball types so he'll revert to type sooner or later. Hope I'm wrong but can't see how after all these years he's suddenly going to become Arsene Wenger

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hampstead_blue added 10:08 - Aug 6 Mick IN!
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Tractor_Boy_in_HK added 12:55 - Aug 6 The talent coming through the last few years has really been sub-par and disappointing. This crop looks the goods. Will be exciting to see if they (are given the chance to) develop.
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runningout added 14:20 - Aug 6 Can't do with these dimwit nicknamed either.. Can any of the youngsters play at Right back, and deal with quick forwards with ease...
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