Ipswich Town new boy Dominic Iorfa believes his strongest position, in the long-term, will be centre-back.
The 22-year-old has been recruited on a season-long loan from Championship rivals Wolves primarily to compete with Jordan Spence as a right-back, following Josh Emmanuel’s loan departure to Rotherham, but he will also act as central cover to Luke Chambers, Adam Webster and Tommy Smith.
“I like to think I’m equally adept at both positions,” said the imposing 6ft 4in England Under-21 international. “I was playing at centre-back when I was in the youth team at Wolves and also a few times for the England U21s. Then I went on loan to Shrewsbury a few years back and that was where I played a few games at right-back.
“Kenny Jackett at Wolves decided I would be a good asset on the right of defence, because of my pace, and since then I’ve played most often at right-back. Ideally though, in the long term, I want to be playing as a centre-back. For now, wherever the gaffer decides to play me I will be happy.
“My speed is one of my best attributes so I like to use it when I’m playing right-back, pushing the opposition back and getting forward. When I play centre-back I find I’m quite comfortable on the ball and I think my time as a right-back has helped me a lot. There is a lot more pressure playing right-back and, for me, centre-back is a lot easier.”
Iorfa, who has made more than 80 Championship starts, added: “I joined Wolves when I was 15 or 16 so I’ve been there for a long time and I am under contract there until 2019.
“It’s like a new regime there (new Portuguese boss Nuno Espirito Santo splashing the cash) so I knew I might have to go somewhere else. Luckily, Mick (McCarthy) has given me this opportunity and I’m grateful to him for that.
“I haven’t actually spoken to the new manager at Wolves. When I came back for pre-season he was in Austria with the squad and then I came down here, so I haven’t had any communication with the manager yet. I knew I had his blessing to go out on loan to further my development so that’s about it really.
“To be honest I’m not really thinking about Wolves right now. I wish them all the best for the season but I’m happy to be here at a good club.
“I know Ipswich didn’t have the best of times last season but the two years prior to that were really good and when I spoke to the gaffer he made it clear he wants to get back to that level again.”
Iorfa’s father, also named Dominic, played for Peterborough in the ‘90s and ended up putting down roots in Southend.
Iorfa Junior added: “This move has worked out well for me because my family are based in Southend. They are happy because I can go and see them more often. They will be here for every home game.”
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