Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has praised Nathan Broadhead after his sharp cameos in the Premier League, but revealed that the winger still has progress to make before he can start at the level.
The 26-year-old missed most of pre-season with a hamstring injury and was fighting an uphill battle for match fitness as a result. However, even when he was available, he was usually left as an unused substitute or out of the squad entirely, prompting questions from supporters.
His first minutes came at the back end of November when he was brought on in the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. He also featured in the latter stages against Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Arsenal, looking fresh and energetic.
“Full credit to him," McKenna said after Friday night's defeat at the Emirates Stadium. "It’s obviously been a bit of a slow burner coming into the season with a big injury in pre-season, but he’s getting more regular minutes at the moment.
“Every time he comes off the bench, he’s having a positive impact.
“It’s still another step to start a game, with the intensity that there is at the start of a game, but he’s working towards that.
“I think that, every time he’s coming on in different game states, he’s having a good impact at the moment.”
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