The footballing journeys of Jon Nolan and Toto Nsiala are so intertwined, it’s no wonder one has started subconsciously imitating the other.

Born less than a month apart in 1995, both grew up in Liverpool and both were let go by Everton.

Both then dropped down into non-league and lost their way.

Both got their mojo back when working under Paul Hurst at Grimsby Town.

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Both then moved on to Football League clubs for a year – Nolan at Chesterfield and Nsiala at Hartlepool – before being reunited with Hurst at Shrewsbury.

It was fitting, therefore, that the pair joined Ipswich in a £2m double deal earlier this week having both handed in transfer requests.

“Toto and I shared the driving down from Liverpool to training last season,” said Nolan, speaking ahead of Town’s Championship game at newly-promoted Rotherham United tomorrow.

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“He was living in Shrewsbury at the start but he moved back home to Liverpool halfway through the season. It wasn’t quite every day because we used to stay in a hotel on a Friday – a little treat for us.

“We spent a lot of time together and it’s been confirmed that we will be room-mates for our first Ipswich game at Rotherham on Saturday.

“But I wouldn’t go as far as saying we are inseparable – I like my own space every now and again and so does Toto.”

Nsiala jokes: “Me and Jon have known each other since we were 15/16. He’s just a great lad. I’ve probably spent too much time with him.

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“Sometimes I go home and I’m acting like Jon and my missus doesn’t like it because he’s a grumpy one! It’s been great to progress with him.”

The modest Nsiala describes his game as ‘nothing special’, but Nolan disagrees.

“He’s a beast,” said the midfielder. “It’s rare to come across a centre-half with so much pace and when you add his power I’ve never seen anything like it. The fans are in for a treat there.”

On the strengths of his own game, Nolan – who looks to have been brought in as a direct replacement for Martyn Waghorn – added: “I’ll move things forward and I’m a good footballer. I’m not really a natural 10 but I can play in that position. I’m more of an eight, up and down, really.

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“It’s my first opportunity to play in the Championship and one I’m going to grab with both hands.”