Barry Cotter may not be ready for the Ipswich Town first team just yet, but Mick McCarthy believes the young Irishman’s attitude and athletic ability means he has a real chance of making the grade.
The 19-year-old arrived from League of Ireland side Limerick on transfer deadline day, for a fee worth more than £50,000, after the youngster impressed during a trial at the Blues’ Playford Road training base.
McCarthy was instantly impressed by a player who can play at right back or in the middle of defence and, while insisting he is not yet ready for the first team, believes Cotter has a real chance to go on and force his way into the senior side.
“Barry is the type of player we look for, certainly as a club,” McCarthy said.
“He’s come from Limerick after getting in their team and impressed – he trained with us for two days and I instantly liked him.
“His personality was one thing – his demeanour around the place, his confidence – and he’s very quick and athletic.
“He can play at centre back or right back and put some great balls in and can handle the ball. And he likes defending, he doesn’t mind blocking and tackling.
“It was a no brainer if we could bring him in.
“He’s not ready for the first team, but with all those qualities he’s got a chance.”
Cotter, who started as a striker at Limerick before being converted into a defender, felt comfortable at Portman Road from the minute he arrived and believes it is the perfect place for him to develop.
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“I have been on a few trials already but this one I loved because I felt at home immediately because there were so many Irish players,” he said.
“The coaches were so welcoming and smart in the way they explain things. I spoke to him after the first day and asked him how I had done and where I needed to improve and make tomorrow even better.
“They sat there and told me straight off and I saw a clear picture of what I needed to do and then the following day was even better.
“My progression so far has been all to do with Limerick and I am very grateful for all the support but a move like this is a dream.”
Cotter made his first appearance since completing his move to Ipswich as the Blues Under 23s took on Colchester on Monday afternoon, with the young Town side losing 5-2 at the U’s training base in Tiptree,
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