Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy says it was ‘just my choice’ not to use playmaker Jonny Williams in Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Cardiff City.

The score was 1-1 when Bluebirds defender Sol Bamba was dismissed for angrily confronting the fourth official in the 70th minute. McCarthy immediately introduced strike duo Brett Pitman and Freddie Sears for Luke Varney and Grant Ward in like-for-like switches.

Then, in the 79th minute, Teddy Bishop came on for Jonathan Douglas in central midfield – a change that drew a number of ironic cheers from the crowd.

That left Williams once again an unused substitute as the Blues failed to make their man advantage count.

The Welshman – on loan from Crystal Palace for a third spell – has made just six substitute appearances since returning from an ankle injury two months ago.

Asked why Williams wasn’t used, McCarthy replied: “It was just because of the people I put on – we had a physical threat with Brett, Freddie has gone and played wide and Bish is Bish. We saw what he was capable of.

“I certainly wasn’t going to take Dougie off and put Jonny on in the centre of the park. He’s not really a central midfield player. That was just my choice.”

Speaking six weeks ago, Williams said: “I’m feeling good. I feel I can go straight back into the Championship and play with freedom without holding back. I’ve come back here to play football and show everybody what I’m capable of.

“I’ll play my usual game, get the ball in front of the defence and not look to go backwards. I’m looking forward to linking up with the front players and see what we can do.

“Ideally I’d play central. I think that’s where you get the best out of me. Not necessarily pinned in the number 10 position, but with the freedom to roam. I know my defensive responsibilities off the ball and getting back into shape and helping the team out.

“The manager wants me to get the ball and show people what I can do.”

He added: “I’ve been at Palace for a long time now. I always gave my best whenever I was given an opportunity, whether that was five minutes or 10 minutes or 20 minutes. I was limited to sub appearances in the last two or three years, which was tough.”