Town manager Mick McCarthy says Jordan Spence has been brilliant since moving to central defence.

The 27-year-old, who joined the club in January having been on trial early on during the 2016/17 campaign, is primarily a right-back but switched to the middle of the backline after skipper Luke Chambers, Tommy Smith and Adam Webster all suffered injuries. Chambers has now returned but Smith and Webster remain sidelined.

“I was just talking about the [first] goal that we conceded [at Leeds] and I said it was disappointing from a back four’s perspective,” McCarthy said.

“We were talking about a few things, but I had to stop myself and say, ‘But by the way’ - and I wasn’t blaming him, it just how the goals went in - ‘I said you’ve been brilliant at centre-half, you’ve done really well, so well done’.

“When I didn’t take him 12 months ago as a full-back, I never, ever imagined him playing at centre-back.

“So it’s to his credit. He went away, he had a few [trial] spells at different clubs, he came back here and he was different again and I think he’s played really, really well there. He’s competed. I’m delighted with him.”

Meanwhile, the Blues boss says striker Martyn Waghorn is champing at the bit having been left out of the starting line-up for the last two games.

“Waggy’s got a chance of playing tomorrow,” McCarthy said of the August signing from Rangers, who scored four goals in his first three league games for the Blues.

Having been brought in to play as a central striker and being handed the number nine shirt, Waghorn has played in a wide role in all three of his starts for Town.

However, McCarthy says the plan is still that the 27-year-old will more often operate down the middle, but with the form of current pairing David McGoldrick and Joe Garner keeping him and Freddie Sears out of the side at present.

“I just had a chat to Freddie today and he went, ‘Gaffer?’, but the lads are flying and even Waggy, who has scored four goals has not been in the team. Didzy and Garns have been excellent,” he added.

“But it would be nice to have him up front and I’m sure he’d like to play there. But I think he’d play anywhere, if I asked him to play at centre-back I think he’d play there tomorrow.”

Photo: TWTD

ElderGrizzly added 20:19 - Sep 25 Freddie Sears needs to work on his persuasion and his finishing it seems
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jas0999 added 20:22 - Sep 25 Brilliant? I wouldn't go that far. He has been decent. Deserves place in team.
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cat added 20:28 - Sep 25 Good at Leeds, not so against Bolton. Needs to be more consistent in my book, but none the less a great opportunity for Mick to blow a bit of smoke up ones own ARSE!! Lol On a more serious note a good freebie who I like the look of.
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Sam added 06:52 - Sep 26 Great player, keep it up!!!!!!!!!!!!
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dav86 added 07:24 - Sep 26 He has done brilliant at centre back considering he's a full back. Well done Jordan.
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bluehook added 08:29 - Sep 26 He doesn't mention that Chambers was at fault for the second goal.
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TimmyH added 09:16 - Sep 26 I think considering we got him on a free and not even MK Dons wanted him he's done a good job for us, still mistake him for Tyrone Mings!
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GiveusaWave added 11:10 - Sep 26 Thought he'd be a solid signing...but he's done even better than I originally imagined. Seems to be getting better and better every game too. If you are reading this Jordan....well done!
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BrettenhamBlue added 11:15 - Sep 26 Reminds me of Mings. Just hope we don't lose him in Jan.
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Seasider added 17:06 - Sep 26 Bluehook glad you also noticed it,because I have been the only one to mention it so far. Couldn't really fault Spence in my opionion;but he never criticises Chambers or Skues.Not publicly anyway Don't feel its a good idea anyway,thats why I felt it unfair that he has this season with Kenlock and Celina,plus a couple of others whos names escape me. However normally praises players,and as things are going pretty well;mustn't be too critical!

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