Town boss Kieran McKenna has praised Conor Townsend’s consistency but says it’s unlikely but not impossible that the summer signing from West Brom and Leif Davis would feature in the same side.

Townsend, 32, has caught the eye with his displays in cup competitions this season, taking over at left-back from Davis, who has been outstanding in that role since signing in the summer of 2022.

Those performances have led fans to speculate whether a way might be found for both Townsend and Davis to start in the same XI.

“He's performed to a consistent level, which is a credit to him, and it gives us a fantastic option,” McKenna said of Townsend.

“He has some similarities to Leif but some differences as well. He's performed consistently well for the team, so it's good to have that option.

“In terms of them playing together, it's not impossible, but with the balance on that side and how we play, there isn't very often a position higher up than Leif and usually behind him is a centre-back, and Conor isn't a centre-back.

“So, if you ask me honestly, do I think they'll play a lot of games together? Probably not, but it gives us two strong options in that position.”

Photo: Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect

grow_our_own added 17:04 - Mar 6 Agreed, but zero at right-back. Whenever Axel's been injured, it's been a gaping weakness all season.
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Rimsy added 18:15 - Mar 6 Be much stronger imo, with Townshend at LB and Leif ahead of him.
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billlm added 18:28 - Mar 6 Townsend is a left back defender for most a position at left back where we haven't had a defender and it drags the centre half over leaving gaps, Davis can not defend his positional play is dire, Going forward Davis is better than Townsend McKenna is caught between a hard rock and a place, I'd rather go for the defender we're far to leaky at the back,
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leftie1972 added 19:07 - Mar 6 For me Townsend was the standout performer against Forest.
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MVBlue added 20:15 - Mar 6 whisper it quietly, hes better at defending. The Lief trade off, gives is a lot in attack but not as solid as Townsend. Bit of a dilemma.
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Linkboy13 added 11:26 - Mar 7 Townsend has looked impressive in the few games he's played but it's too early to start pencilling him in as our regular left back. Davis is arguably one of the most creative players in the team far more than either Phillips or Cajuste no goals or assists in the Premier league. I would put Davis in a more forward role he's got a good engine and this would benefit Townsend as well who could concentrate on defensive duties.

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brendenward35 added 12:00 - Mar 7 I'd like to see Townsend in the left back position and Davis in front of him means Davis can concentrate on his game rather than having to run back to cover the left back position. I've been impressed by Townsend for defending far better at that role that Davis.
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