Ipswich Town defender Freddie Veseli will become a better player by experiencing the ‘rough and tumble’ of League Two football during a loan spell at Bury, says Blues boss Mick McCarthy.

The former Swiss Under-21 international started out at Manchester City’s academy before switching to the youth set-up at rivals Manchester United.

He joined Ipswich on a two-year deal following his release by United last summer, but – after featuring heavily in pre-season – has found himself down the pecking order. The 21-year-old’s only Town appearance came in the 2-0 Capital One Cup defeat at Stevenage in August.

“David Flitcroft rang me up and he’s going play him at right-back or right wing-back, in his proper position,” said McCarthy. “He just needs games.

“He’s missed out on playing rough and tumble, scrappy Football League matches. Playing at Manchester United in their Under-21s, you’d have the ball for 60 per cent of the time, probably.

“I think that’s maybe what he’s been used to. He’s a good footballer. It’s the games like the one against Charlton the other night and the one at Bournemouth where it’s backs against the wall, defending, heading and tackling and being in your position where you actually learn.”

He continued: “You get coached in the Under-21s and through the academy, but that’s where you start earning your living.

“The same with Elliott Hewitt (on loan at Gillingham). You’re playing against more physical players, a more physical approach, there’s no 50/50s where somebody might just let someone have it.

“You saw them here the other night, sliding off the pitch, some great tackles. It was a fabulous game considering the conditions. That is the level they have got to get to, the pair of them.”

Veseli’s only appearance for the Shakers so far was their 3-0 New Year’s Day victory at Hartlepool, while Hewitt is yet to add to the three games he played for the Gills in November since returning to the Priestfield Stadium having recovered from his ankle injury.

Striker Jack Marriott is also with the League One side and is still to make his debut having been an unused sub in Friday’s 1-0 victory over Wolves.