Carayol Relieved to Score Winner at Preston
Monday, 26th Feb 2018 06:00 Man-of-the-match Mustapha Carayol admitted he was relieved to score his winning goal during Saturday’s 1-0 win at Preston having spurned another chance earlier in the game.
The full debutant netted the game’s only goal in the 21st minute during a first half in which he ripped the Lilywhites’ backline apart, causing their manager Alex Neil to take the unusual step of making a double tactical substitution with seven minutes of the first half still to be played.
“It was more of a relief after I missed the first chance, but I enjoyed it and I’m happy that it ended up winning us the game,” Carayol, a deadline day signing following his departure from Nottingham Forest reflected after the match.
“I’m just glad to be able to be out there and get some minutes under my belt.”
The Gambian international, who had made one sub appearance for the Blues prior to Saturday, had appeared set to open his goals account in the eighth minute but Preston keeper Declan Rudd did well to save his first effort then Carayol stabbed the rebound wide.
“To be fair, the guy on the line kind of put me off because I was planning on bending it round [the keeper], but I saw a bit of a white on the side,” he recalled.
“It probably wasn’t the right finish and obviously when it fell back to me I thought I was unlucky, I was just thinking, ‘Just poke it under him’.
“But, as I said, I’m glad that I got another opportunity and I just made sure I just concentrated on it and got a good connection.”
He says his exciting, pacy first-half display typified what he likes to bring to a game: “That’s the style I play. I always try to be positive and try to get on the ball.
"Some days it’s not going to happen, which is the same for every attacking player, but I always try and be positive and try and make an impact.”
The 29-year-old says he’s made a habit of scoring on debuts throughout his career, netting on his league bow for Middlesbrough having come on as a sub against Town at the Riverside in a 2-0 victory for the Teessiders in September 2012.
“I’ve actually scored a few in my time,” he added. “Hopefully it’s the first of many and we look forward to Hull next week.
“Hopefully we can put a performance in for the fans because I know they’ve been frustrated at home. Hopefully we can put in a good performance, get a few goals and give them something to shout about.”
When Carayol signed for the Blues at the end of last month he said he was looking to bring goals to the Town team but he says creating goals for other people - which he came close to doing for Martyn Waghorn and Dominic Iorfa at Deepdale - is his primary role.
“I don’t want to jinx myself, but yes,” he continued. “This is a good start and hopefully I’ll get a few more starts under my belt and I’ll be able to make more of an impact and help the team.
“I’m more for helping the strikers score a lot of goals but obviously if I can contribute goals along the way then it’s good.”
Carayol’s goal was right in front of the 474 travelling Town supporters on Saturday and he was pleased to get the chance to celebrate with them.
“It’s always good, obviously they travel a long way and they’ve probably had a tough week and I felt like we probably deserved a little bit more [from the Norwich and Cardiff matches],” he said. "I’m glad that we could send them home with something to cheer about.”
Carayol was been set to start the Cardiff match on Wednesday but missed out at the last as he was unwell. Was he back to full fitness on Saturday or was he at 80 or 90 per cent?
“I don’t really want to say anything because the gaffer asked me if I was 100 per cent fine and I said yes because I was desperate to play.
“Wednesday wasn’t too good for me, I was ill, but I had a 45-minute session on Friday and felt a little bit better, I got some food down me so I’m happy that I was out there and managed to help the boys along the way.”
Gaffer Mick McCarthy subbed him at half-time at Deepdale as he felt he hadn’t sounded confident enough in his fitness ahead of the second half, the winger having expected to play until at least the hour mark.
“To be fair, I thought I was going to get at least another 15 minutes, maybe get another chance to try and score a second,” he added.
“But at the end of the day it’s a team game and obviously the result’s what matters and the gaffer felt that it was right.
“He knew that it was going to probably be a bit of a scrap in the second half and I probably wouldn’t have got as many touches as I did in the first.
“He made the right decision and we won. If we hadn’t got the right result I could probably have knocked on his door on Monday and said, ‘Gaffer, you’ve got to give me another 15!’. But I’m cool.”
Having won at Deepdale against a Preston side who went into the game having been defeated only once in the league since they lost at Portman Road in November - New Year’s Day’s 3-2 loss at home to Middlesbrough - does the new signing believe the Blues can make up seven places and six points and finish in the play-offs?
“It was a tough game, before they were saying that they’d lost only one in 17 games,” the wideman said.
“We were aware of that but I felt that we put out a really positive team and we took the game to them in the first half.
“I think we take every game as it comes. I don’t really look at the table. I’m just more worried about how we pick up three points every game and if we pick up enough points to put us right in the play-off hunt then so be it and we’ll enjoy it.”
He says he's happiest playing on the left, as he did on Saturday: “I’ve always kind of played on the left. The first game I played for Town the gaffer brought me on on the right and I was a bit frustrated.
“I was glad that I was able to play on the left today and I hope the fans and everyone else sees me play off the left a lot more because I feel like I’m more effective when do play on the left.”
He said he was champing at the bit to make his full debut having got his first taste for the Blues as a 60th-minute sub in the 0-0 home draw with Burton Albion.
“I spoke to the gaffer before and the formations and during the tight game at Norwich I wasn’t able to come on,” he said. “And obviously I was unlucky on Wednesday because I was meant to start.
“These things happen and sometimes you’ve just got to count your blessings and just say maybe it wasn’t the right time for you to play.
“I managed to play today and did well and managed to get a goal, so I’m happy and just hope that I get a lot more starts from now until the end of the season.”
Carayol is enjoying playing for McCarthy and says the Blues boss was why he moved to Portman Road.
“For me, he was the reason why I came here,” he continued. “Everyone I spoke to just said he gives the attackers the freedom to play.
“Since I’ve been here and training he just encourages me to do what I do and I’m really enjoying it.”
Carayol’s contract with the Blues only runs to the end of the season, but he says he’d definitely be interested in a longer term stay.
“Yes, definitely,” he added. “Obviously you never know in football, but you always want a little bit of security and to just make yourself at home.
“For now until the end of the season, I’m just concentrating on hopefully doing well enough for the gaffer to sit me down and see what we can sort out going forward.”
Meanwhile, Town’s U23s are in action against West Brom in their final Premier League Cup match at Portman Road this afternoon (KO 2pm).
Entry is via the Hall of Fame bar on Portman Road, doors will be open at 1.30pm, with the only centre section of the lower tier of the Cobbold Stand open.
Gerard Nash’s side are currently third in their Premier League Cup group and have only a slim chance of reaching the next phase if they win this afternoon.
They also require Villa to beat Sheffield United in the other fixture - which was due to be played today but has been postponed - as well as a five-goal turnaround.
Photo: Action Images
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GiveusaWave added 06:29 - Feb 26
Wasn't able to see this game live...just the updates and the highlights. By the sounds of things one of the best 45 mins for any ITFC player this season. Certainly a match winner in the making and though it's early days I'd like to see him extend his contract for a further season....
It certainly looks as if we will lose McGoldrick in the Summer and it wouldn't surprise me if Sears exits then also so plenty of opportunities for him to play in the team... |  | |
Dissboyitfc added 06:43 - Feb 26
Looked awesome from the highlights! Lets hope for more appearances like that! I always remember Finidi Georges debut v Derby a game we won 3-1, probably one of the most impressive debuts i have ever seen! (a strange game that with no North stand) Finidi didnt have too many good games after that. Lets hope Mustapha Carayol goes from strength to strength!
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osborne added 06:43 - Feb 26
Hoping to see him start again vs Hull. Looked good when he came on as sub against Burton. Just what we have been needing this season. Keep it up Muzzy! |  | |
Dissboyitfc added 06:57 - Feb 26
Should also say, well done to MM for this signing, it just shows (not forgetting its early days) that bargains are out there! Finidi George 3 million Mustapha Carayol free! with hindsight having all that money then ruined us, we spent millions on flops, Sereni, George and le pen. We have never spent big and done well! its about the youth system and finding the odd gem with the odd fee paid for the right players, Hermann Hreidarsson was an expensive good signing. People keep saying about lack of funding, i dont particularly subscribe to that, especially when it comes to playing football the ipswich way, its about coaching! | | |
bluesman added 07:22 - Feb 26
MM is the simply the best at managing a team on a shoe string. We've spent £4m in five years which is relegation money. This is yet another bit of great bargain basement dealing from the master of the art. |  | |
bluehook added 08:25 - Feb 26
Easy Bluesman, “master of the art”? 😂😂 |  | |
planetblue_2011 added 08:40 - Feb 26
Carayol took his goal well & caused Preston problems all first half.
He put in a good display & so did the rest of the players.
Let's carry on from here & push on for the top sixth place.
COYB | | |
midastouch added 08:43 - Feb 26
I watched the highlights yesterday and I was seriously impressed with the first half. Nouble did say we had a talent on our hands. I had seen him once or twice in the Championship and knew he could be lively on his day but I thought perhaps he'd lost a yard of pace and his best days might be behind him. But that first half performance (which Carayol was instrumental in) is exactly the sort of attacking style I love to see. I said before the Norwich game I'd love to see us start Carayol and Celina, I think that would of given them nightmares. But if we can't play both please at least play one and after his performance on Saturday Carayol more than deserves to get the nod again next time if he's fit enough to start. They would make the ideal swap for swap substitutions as well. You could play Carayol for 60 minutes and then send Celina on for 30 minutes at the end as he has proven a good impact substitution on a few occasions this season. I thought we would of been better off giving Rowe a chance (and I'm still hopeful he'll come back here and more than prove his worth) but after seeing Carayol on Saturday on those highlights I can see Carayol means business. I'm not a big fan of Mick (I still feel sick as a dog we let Norwich off the hook and didn't put it to them with players like Carayol and Celina) but he's got to be given praise for getting Carayol in and he's exactly the sort of player (based on the performance on Saturday) I'm more than happy to part with money to come and watch. After that first half performance I'd be calling him to the office today and talking about getting him tied down for a deal for next season, he produced more excitement in 45 minutes than I've seen at Town for some time. SIGN HIM UP SIGN HIM UP SIGN HIM UP! |  | |
Northstandveteran added 09:22 - Feb 26
Yes, was there the night Finidi made the greatest debut I had ever seen by an Ipswich player.
And then was played out of position for the remainder of his town career!
Carayol looked fantastic. Just what we've been missing, pace and confidence.
Looking forward to McCarthy following the Burley philosophy by playing him at the heart of our defence from now on!
|  | |
baxter7 added 09:31 - Feb 26
Don't worry mate mcarthy will quickly get that attacking ability out of you in case you lose the ball in the opposition penalty area | | |
Gforce added 09:59 - Feb 26
Really hope he keeps it up,after an impressive debut,
but a word of caution if he's that good why did Forest and Middlesbrough
amongst others let him go. | | |
Kikapu added 10:19 - Feb 26
''Carayol is enjoying playing for McCarthy and says the Blues boss was why he moved to Portman Road.
“For me, he was the reason why I came here,” he continued. “Everyone I spoke to just said he gives the attackers the freedom to play.
“Since I've been here and training he just encourages me to do what I do and I'm really enjoying it.”
Nuff said. | | |
runningout added 10:26 - Feb 26
Carayol hasn't played enough to go overboard with the praise... Praise 90% of footballers and your guaranteed to be disappointed | | |
osborne1nil added 10:35 - Feb 26
Dissboyitfc - Agree to some extent what your saying in terms of big spends and flops but the examples you gave, perhaps Finidi George aside (and if the scouts saw what we saw in his first few games they can't be blamed too heavily) were a little unjust on Town. Le Pen was badly injured in his first game, out for the season and didn't pull on his boots again for Town and Matteo Sereni was an excellent goal keeper but one that didn't appear being happy playing at Ipswich. The loss of Richard Wright to Arsenal instigated the need for a replacement and had this sale not happened then there was no need for Sereni. I think if you look back to Sir Bobby's buys, didn't buy many but when he did some were expensive for time but were generally excellent players.
If you look at Keane's buys, he certainly spent high and fully agree that in general the team didn't improve nor the results.
Spending money on a player that improves the team and brings improved results must be worth considering if ME was to open the wallet more but I feel the finding a gem from a lower league who develops into a top player is more likely based on recent history than a 'big' spend on a proved player. |  | |
itfchorry added 10:37 - Feb 26
Paul Mariner's home debut against WBA wasn't
to shabby either. | | |
Razor added 11:03 - Feb 26
Yeah the guy played really-----no chance now of getting in next week. | | |
brittaniaman added 11:06 - Feb 26
The question is Dino, why did you not put him on against Norwich instead of going defensive as usual ?????
The way he tormented Preston you would not have thought that he got up from his sick bed | | |
black_shuck added 11:36 - Feb 26
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing. |  | |
hulltractor added 11:59 - Feb 26
A few more performances like that and we should definitely sign him up for another season or two. As for MM - Think its time for a change but if there is not going to be any more investment from ME then what Manager out there now can do what MM does consistently?. |  | |
blueboy1981 added 12:08 - Feb 26
No one could dispute that MM can spot and sign a player - it's what he does with them afterwards that is the debatable issue.
All to often plays them out of position - nullifies their potential, and ruins them in the process.
Within the next month, will probably want to convert Muzzy to a defensive minded player. God forbid. | | |
blueboy1981 added 12:24 - Feb 26
........ play players in their rightful, and best position - and the benefits will follow. Simple.
Football is a simple game - complicated by idiots. | | |
Southamptonblue added 12:34 - Feb 26
Time to bring back the old Finidi George "He comes from Africa, he drives a big tractor" chant? | | |
fransthyssen added 13:41 - Feb 26
Please please MM keep him as an attacking lefty he's so at home there and he's brimming with confidence it will also spread throughout the team with good performances,who knows a couple more wins close together breads optimism for the run in |  | |
rfretwell added 13:43 - Feb 26
Truly superb highlights of the Preston match. Thanks . What pace! Really hope things go well for him at Town - he had a tough upbringing coming thro the Damilola Sports Centre coaching set up in Peckham. The Championship should hold no fears for him after that. | | |
SpiritOfJohn added 14:15 - Feb 26
Grant Ward had an excellent debut not so long ago. Anyone remember him? |  | |
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