Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy is pleased with the improvements being made by striker Frank Nouble.

A part of the Chelsea academy as a youngster and capped at England Under-19 level, the powerful front man has always been viewed as a player with a great deal of potential.

Few managers have had the patience to try and nurture his raw athleticism though, with the 22-year-old sent out on seven short-term loans by West Ham.

Town boss Mick McCarthy and his assistant Terry Connor have shown a great deal of faith in the Londoner though, Connor signing him for Wolves in 2012 before persuading McCarthy to bring him to Portman Road in January last year.

He has started seven of the last eight matches for the Blues, has signed a contract extension until 2015, with his performances maturing by the game as a result.

“I think he’s thrived in playing in the system (4-3-3) we play,” said McCarthy.

“He’s not had a lot of football. I think he’s been one of those lads that people take and then think ‘maybe not’. He’s had more loans than Wonga!

“He’s settled down now. I wanted to sign him at Wolves and when I left TC signed him. I think they’ve got a good bond between them and TC certainly gets the best out of him on the training ground.

“He’s improving. He’s only a young man. You see this big, powerful, athletic figure and you expect him to be the finished article.

“He’s still learning his trade, he’s now getting worked and coached and we can see the improvement.

“You can coach them all you like though, you have to play to learn. I’m glad he’s being appreciated because he does work hard.”