Connolly "Endearing" Himself To McCarthy

Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy admits on-loan Everton defender Callum Connolly has already caught his eye just days into the youngster’s loan spell.

Connolly, 19, linked up with the Championship side on a season-long deal on deadline day, having previously taken in similar spells at fellow second tier sides Barnsley and Wigan Athletic.

And his new boss has only enhanced his opinion of the young Blue after working with him in training.

“Before I met him I’d seen him play,” said McCarthy. “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.


“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.
 
“Callum can play both right-back or right centre-back and I have to say he’s impressed everybody.”

Connolly could make his Ipswich debut as they travel to west London to take on Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Saturday.