Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy hopes striker Freddie Sears can go on a goalscoring spree following his double in midweek.
The 27-year-old netted 13 goals in his first 29 appearances for the Blues, following his January 2015 switch from Colchester United, but was then converted into a hard-working wide player. He’d scored just five times in 77 outings prior to Tuesday night’s 3-0 win over Wigan.
“That’s his best position, without a doubt,” said McCarthy. “Whenever we’ve played 4-4-2 he’s, pretty much, started up there.
“There was a time earlier on in the season when I only had a couple of strikers and he played wide left. He had his chances (to score) out there. When we’ve played 4-3-3 he’s played on the left.
“That (striker) is his best position though, I know that, without any doubt.”
He continued: “I would imagine Tuesday night has given him a huge amount of confidence. Strikers, it doesn’t matter what else they do, scoring goals is what they thrive on.
“I think it’s remarkable how he’s kept going and how selfless he is.”
Sears was dropped for the first four games of March, with McCarthy explaining: “They will never admit it, but, in any position, when it’s been tough for you it can be a relief when you’re left out. You never want to be dropped, but sometimes you can be trying and trying and trying and it’s not working. Coming out the team, standing back and having a look can help.”
Asked what Sears had been like during that barren spell, the Blues boss replied: “I wouldn’t know. Freddie is so unassuming, so low maintenance. He’s so bright and cheery every morning. He comes in and shakes my hand, says ‘hello gaffer’, does his work and goes. He’s a great kid.”
McCarthy added: “Tom (Lawrence) and Didzy (David McGoldrick) had been playing well, but to be honest I needed Freddie to stretch teams. He’s different to the other two. “Putting the ball in the net is the hardest part of the game and that’s why the ones who score 15/20 goals a season are paid vast amounts of money and are coveted by everybody.
“Freddie looked like being that. He’s had unbelievable bad luck, but has just kept going. Let’s hope this will set him on another goalscoring spree.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here