Teenage midfield duo Flynn Downes and Tristan Nydam must compete for their places now senior players are returning to fitness, says Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy.

Essex-born Downes, 18, really caught the eye after replacing the injured Andre Dozzell midway through the opening day of the season 1-0 home win against Birmingham and subsequently made five starts and five further substitute appearances.

Zimbabwe-born Nydam, who has only recently turned 18, has also made eight starts and five sub appearances for the first team in a variety of positions.

Downes hasn’t been in the matchday squad for the last three matches though, while Nydam has been an unused sub in the last two.

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East Anglian Daily Times: Tristan Nydam recently signed a new Ipswich Town contract until 2021. Photo: ITFCTristan Nydam recently signed a new Ipswich Town contract until 2021. Photo: ITFC (Image: ITFC)

That’s because the transfer-listed Kevin Bru has worked his way back into the picture recently, while versatile Everton loanee Callum Connolly has impressed in midfield of late.

In addition, long-term injury absentees Emyr Huws and Teddy Bishop are now available for selection again, while Tom Adeyemi should return to action next month.

“Flynn did make a real impact, as has Tristan, but if all the players had been fit then they wouldn’t have started – we all know that,” said McCarthy.

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“They are competing for their places now with everyone else.

“Flynn did have an injury and a couple of weeks where he wasn’t fit, then he went away with England (U21s), but now he’s back and completing for a place with a lot of other players.

“Those two lads were great when we needed them but they now have competition from a lot of senior players.”