If it’s good enough for Bayern Munich, it’s good enough for Ipswich Town

That’s Mick McCarthy’s response to those who have criticised his decision to play two workmanlike wingers this season.

The Blues boss was quick to get rid of the enigmatic Jay Emmanuel-Thomas in the summer, with industrious types such as Ryan Tunnicliffe, Jay Tabb, Carlos Edwards and Paul Anderson filling his wide slots this season.

It remains to be seen whether the lively but unpredictable Paul Taylor can force his way into the starting line-up, with the creative Anthony Wordsworth unable to secure a place on the bench of late.

Asked if his team lacked a little bit of spark, following dour 1-1 draws with Bolton and Barnsley, McCarthy said: “I always go back to Bayern Munich who have got the best two wingers around in (Arjen) Robben and (Franck) Ribery.

“Their coach says either you track back and tackle or you ain’t playing. He leaves them out.

“It’s been the same at Chelsea with Jose Mourinho too. Juan Mata has been told he needs to contribute defensively.

“Why should I accept anything else other than all of that here? I think that (hard work) is a prerequisite and if you can get anything else, a bit extra, then that is fantastic.

“I love the fact that top managers think like that too.

“If somebody scores you 30 goals a season you might tolerate them. If he’s scoring 30 and you’re still getting beaten it makes no odds.”

The latter comment could well have been a barb directed at Emmanuel-Thomas, the former Arsenal man having already scored 12 times for Bristol City but the Robins still hovering just above the relegation zone in League One.

Following last Friday’s uninspiring 1-1 home draw with Barnsley, McCarthy is likely to shuffle his pack at Blackpool tomorrow having named the same starting line-up for the last seven matches.

One enforced change will see Tyrone Mings replace the suspended Aaron Cresswell at left-back, the latter banned for two matches following his red card for foul and abusive language.

Looking back on the Barnsley game, McCarthy said: “Sometimes you have to complement the opposition rather than beat your own players up. Every point is a prisoner in this league.”

With Blackpool fourth in the table with just one defeat to their name, the Blues boss said: “It was before my time, but we got slapped there 6-0 last season. . They went up, stayed in a hotel, got slapped six, then went to Carlisle and lost in extra-time. They couldn’t even do the decent thing and lose in 90 minutes!

“So yes, I have heard that story once or twice.

“I hope it looks like that sort of result won’t happen again. We look like a solid team in a very even division.”