Boss Mick McCarthy says new loan signing Callum Connolly has impressed everyone since joining up with the Blues on Monday. The 19-year-old signed on a season-long loan from Everton on deadline day.

“Before I met him I’d seen him play, he played for Wigan and I thought he was excellent at full-back and he also played in a three as a centre-back and he can do that,” McCarthy said.

“He scored a few goals at Wigan as well and we had to take care of him from corners because he’s a real threat in the air.

“And since he’s come in I like him even more, he’s a very capable footballer, competitive and he has a great attitude to it, so he’s endeared himself to me even more just by walking in the door and training with us.”

McCarthy says adding Connolly has given him greater flexibility at the back, even with the continued absence of his three out-and-out centre-halves, skipper Luke Chambers, Tommy Smith and Adam Webster.

“Dom [Iorfa] can play centre-half and Jordan Spence has done really well at centre-half. Jonas Knudsen did well there but I still think he’s the best left-back we’ve got.

“And, to be honest, Callum can play both right-back or right centre-back and I have to say he’s impressed everybody. We had a small game this morning and he was really good.”

Photo: ITFC

muccletonjoe added 19:59 - Sep 7 So, where will he play saturday? My guess is on the right of a back 3
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rfretwell added 21:55 - Sep 7 Hard to disagree about Knudsen so far this season. Kenlock gave the ball away 3 times early on v Fulham which set the tone for a poor first half by Town. Needs to get back to his best, fast.
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coolcat added 22:02 - Sep 7 Looking forward to seeing him play. :)
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Dissboyitfc added 07:13 - Sep 8 Knudsen has impressed me at CB but do not rate him at LB at all. He still likes to launch it out of defence . Makes more than his share of mistakes!
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Mr_Evans added 07:23 - Sep 8 Interesting about Knudsen. As a LB you have to be defensive solid or really quick. He's neither. You can get away from that side of it if you offer a threat when going forward or can whip the ball into the box. Again, he's neither. Kenloxk is still fairly young but I don't have high hopes. I think LB is a bit of a weak spot for us.
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dirtydingusmagee added 08:26 - Sep 8 Dom ! surely he meant Dommo. .Hopefully Connolly will get us out of a hole, look forward to seeing him play. coyb
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Pilgrimblue added 10:35 - Sep 8 I hear what you say about Jk at LB but feel with his improved form he may be our best. His passing is better and while he's not the quickest he tackles well so if as i expect Mick plays 442 it could be Jonas/Connolly/Spence/Iorfa with Skusy and Downes in centre and Celina and Ward either side. Forwards will change during game but expect Garner and McGoldrick to start.

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runningout added 13:25 - Sep 8 a few different opinions of our defence. Hope they are up for it mentally, as people will be looking at them with a critical eye
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