Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy delighted that Frank Nouble has turned the jeers into cheers
Frank Nouble in action against Nottingham Forest. Photo: Sarah Lucy Brown - Credit: Archant
Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy is delighted to have seen Frank Nouble turn the jeers into cheers.
The 22-year-old striker has always been admired for the raw enthusiasm and running he brings to the team, but his technique and decision-making has been called into question by the Portman Road faithful at times.
McCarthy and assistant boss Terry Connor have always maintained that the former Chelsea and West Ham youngster just needed someone to show faith in him following a series of short loan spells which never allowed him to develop.
And now the front man – who recently said he ignores his critics – is starting to repay that faith, following up his game-changing appearance off the bench in last Tuesday night’s 2-1 home win over Derby with another influential substitute’s display in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest at Portman Road.
Against Derby it was his purposeful run and shot which forced the corner from which Christophe Berra scored a dramatic late winner, while against Forest he produced a cultured cross for Daryl Murphy to head in the equaliser.
“He’s been outstanding, fantastic,” enthused McCarthy.
“I’m really pleased with him. He’s reacted in the right, positive way after being left out. He’s come back and he’s helped change two games for us.
“His ability with the ball, his running and his control of the game has been really good. That’s not always been the case. He must love the fans singing his name because they were umming and ahhing and jeering at one stage.”
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In addition, McCarthy was pleased to see Sylvan Ebanks-Blake have an impact off the bench for the second game running. The striker – twice a Golden Boot winner in the Championship – is starting to look sharp following his tentative return from long-term injury.
“He’s hit the post with a header on Tuesday night (against Derby) and this time the keeper’s made a great save off him,” said the Blues boss. “It has been a difficult long, hard road for him to get fit so it’s great to see him back out there.”
Ipswich will today find out if Crystal Palace will extend Jonny Williams’ loan until the end of the season, McCarthy hopeful that the Eagles’ win against Chelsea at the weekend may persuade Tony Pulis to let him stay at Portman Road with a 24-hour recall clause.
