A spell at Braintree Town will help New Zealand international striker Monty Patterson out no end, according to Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy,

The 19-year-old scored his first international goal for the All Whites, against USA, in an international friendly earlier this month, but has yet to make his competitive debut for the Blues.

Patterson moved to England three years ago and has represented New Zealand at under-17, 20 and 23 level as well as the senior side on seven occasions.

He joined Braintree earlier in the week and made his Iron debut off the bench on Tuesday evening, as Hakan Hayrettin’s side picked up a vital three points at Woking, three days after the 6-1 hammering at Dover Athletic.

“Monty’s been doing OK, but he’s not ready for the first team yet,” said McCarthy, whose side have scored just two goals in their last seven Championship games,

“I know he went away and scored at international level and people will be saying that we’ve not scored and why (did we let him go to Braintree), I’ve heard that already.

“He’s not ready to play in the first team, that’s why.

“Playing at Braintree at that level will help him no end.”

Town got back to winning ways against Woking, the 3-2 victory against the Cards ending a six-match run without a win.

After the game, Hayrettin was delighted with his players’ response following their humbling three days earlier.

“I’m really pleased for the lads because they all took time out on Monday night to go through what went wrong at Dover on Saturday and, as a group, we’ve responded,” said Hayrettin, who saw Oli Muldoon, Michael Cheek and Simeon Akinola score for his side.

“It was a real test of our character to go behind having led early on, but our second half show gives us something to build on for Saturday.”

Today Braintree are at home to Solihull Moors and could move out of the National League relegation zone with a point.

Elsewhere today, second-top Chelmsford City are on the road today at Concord Rangers, where they will attempt to close the gap on National South leaders Maidenhead, who are managed by Alan Devonshire.

The former Braintree manager’s team are seven points clear at the top of the table and host mid-table Hungerford Town today.

In the FA Trophy, Ryman North leaders Maldon & Tiptree, managed by Kevin Horlock, travel to Ryman North outfit, Billericay Town.

Witham Town are also in action in the Trophy when they travel to Biggleswade Town, while Heybridge Swifts are at King’s Langsley and Brightlingsea Regent go to Met Police.