Barry Cotter has described his debut against Barnsley on Tuesday night as the ‘best day of my life’.
The 19-year-old Irishman, signed from Limerick for £50,000 in January, put in an excellent display on the right side of the Ipswich defence, showing a calmness and composure belying the fact his senior experience previously consisted of just 11 starts in his homeland.
He showed his ability on the ball too as he made runs forward, sprayed 50-yard passes and got forward well before being substituted before the hour mark.
Cotter received a standing ovation as he left the field while fans also vented their displeasure at McCarthy’s decision to remove him early, before the young defender saluted the North Stand at the final whistle.
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“(Tuesday) was a very proud day for my family and I making my full professional debut in the EFL Championship under Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich Town FC,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Words can not describe the respect I have for him buying me from Ireland and giving me the opportunity to go out on such a big stage and express myself so soon.
“It has been a pleasure working for him and TC, Thank you for giving me the best day of my life so far and would like to thank the fans for welcoming me with open arms and for the standing ovation at the end.
“Also happy to have started my career with a three points at home!”
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