Seasoned professional Cole Skuse has lauded the impact made by the latest crop of youngsters to emerge through the Ipswich Town academy, with several more getting ready to make their bow on Tuesday night.
Blues boss Mick McCarthy has confirmed he will make 11 changes from the side that started Saturday’s 2-0 victory at home to Brentford, for this evening’s Carabao Cup second round clash at Premier League Crystal Palace.
McCarthy simply has no choice, given the injury crisis he has on his hands – indeed, senior professional Emyr Huws’ own proposed comeback at Selhurst Park was cancelled after the Welsh international suffered a setback in his recovery from an Achilles injury yesterday.
Such problems will give midfield youngsters such as Flynn Downes and Tristan Nydam another chance to impress McCarthy though, while rookies such as George Fowler, Pat Webber, Chris Smith and Luke Woolfenden are likely to make up the back four in south London.
Downes and Nydam made their latest appearances as substitutes in the Brentford game, having both done well in Championship and cup games at the start of this season.
“You’ve got to be some player to make it in any team, and Flynn and Tristan have been absolutely outstanding,” said Skuse, who took over the captain’s armband from injured skipper, Luke Chambers, on Saturday.
“Flynn is like a 30-year-old experienced player, while Tristan has got that bit extra, he’s jinky and can glide past players.”
Another youngster, Myles Kenlock, will be rested tonight, but Skuse was complimentary of his assured display against Brentford.
“Myles was very good (on Saturday), he came in and played a couple of games at the start of the season and took his chance with both hands again against Brentford, with Chambo injured,” the midfielder reflected
“He defended fantastically well and got forward well when he had a chance.”
Skuse added: “It’s not just those lads though. The ones on the bench thoroughly deserved to be there too.”
Meanwhile, the third round draw for the Carabao Cup will be held in Beijing, on Thursday, at 4.15am British Summer Time.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here