Can Jonny Williams transform Ipswich Town from competent to brilliant?

The 20-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder ended weeks of speculation yesterday by penning a loan deal which will see him remain at Portman Road until January.

Premier League Palace can choose to recall the Welsh international after 28 days but, for now, manager Mick McCarthy will hope the youngster can replicate the kind of form that made him such a crowd favourite last season.

Williams is likely to be thrown in at the deep-end tonight when the Blues go in search of their fifth straight Championship win at Sheffield Wednesday, and the diminutive schemer could be the difference between Town hanging on in games and winning matches comprehensively.

Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Rotherham saw Town get off to a flying start, scoring two goals in the opening six minutes and generally impressing for the rest of the half.

The second period saw the Blues fail to kill the game off, McCarthy’s team seemingly not knowing whether to stick or twist.

“He (Williams) is someone who can keep hold of the ball, drag you up the pitch, win you a corner, free-kick or penalty,” said the Blues boss.

“He can get you up the pitch with his ability and that is invaluable.”

On his team’s progress, McCarthy added: “Top-six was our target at the start of the season and we are looking a fairly competent team.

“I am not saying we are brilliant because in all the games, other teams have had chances and had they taken them, who knows what the result might have been?

“The league is wide open, but we can play quite competently.”

McCarthy is sweating on the fitness of Cole Skuse (sore toe). The midfielder trained yesterday.

Stephen Hunt and Cameron Stewart are back in full training but are not considered ready yet for a place in the first-team squad.