Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy has challenged Anthony Wordsworth to “do it again” following his triumphant return to the starting line-up for Saturday’s 2-0 win at Brighton & Hove Albion.

The former Colchester United man was a surprise selection for the crucial match at the Amex Stadium given that he had not started a league match in more than 10 months, but he justified his manager’s seemingly left-field decision and added creativity to a previously industrious midfield.

“He’s impressed over the last few weeks and deserved to start,” said McCarthy, who saw his team close the gap on the play-off places to five points courtesy of second half goals from Tommy Smith and Daryl Murphy.

“I’d been banging on at him and I think he’s really responded by competing well in the Under-21 games and with his attitude in training. That’s what got him in. He’s played well in all the games I’ve seen and he’s worked really hard.”

Wordsworth impressed following his £100,000 switch from the U’s in January 2013 but injuries stunted his progress and the 25-year-old has found his chances severely limited this season. A flat display in the 1-1 home draw with Preston in the FA Cup third round did not help his cause.

“I bang on at him about doing the dirty jobs; tackling, tracking players, that sort of thing,” said McCarthy. “Everybody throughout his career has said that to him. He certainly did all that today. Everybody recognises he’s a good footballer but there’s a bit more to the game than that. Let’s hope this is a sign that he’s buying into what I want out of a central midfield player.

“Technically he’s a very good footballer.

“My issue with him now is that he’s got to do it again. Whether it’s Tuesday (at home against Derby) I don’t know because he’s sat there with two legs as stiff as boards.

“Having not played much that was a hell of a game to come into, but I thought he was very, very good today. We know he can do that. Now he’s got to go and do it again.

“This is just one game though. The back four have done it every week for me. That’s the test, go out there and do it every week.”