Mick McCarthy has justified the hype surrounding Andre Dozzell, following the starlet’s dramatic goalscoring introduction at Sheffield Wednesday.

East Anglian Daily Times: Jason and Andre Dozzell at the Ipswich Town training ground. Andre replcated his dad's feat last week when he scored on his debut as a 16-year-old.Jason and Andre Dozzell at the Ipswich Town training ground. Andre replcated his dad's feat last week when he scored on his debut as a 16-year-old. (Image: Archant)

Son of Blues legend Jason, the former Copleston High School pupil replicated his father’s achievement by scoring on his debut for Town as a 16-year-old, 10 days ago.

The England youth international, reportedly being courted by a host of Premier League clubs, will hopefully sign his first professional deal at Town, on his 17th birthday next month.

An unused substitute on Saturday at Middlesbrough, having made his full league debut at home to Fulham last Tuesday, Dozzell could return for the Blues’ final home game of the season on Saturday, against relegated MK Dons.

McCarthy said: “He is a lovely young man, very personable, with a smile on his face.

“He’s a talented footballer and quite clearly by making his debut at Hillsborough shows he’s got something about him.

“More than just that, he’s got a bit of spirit about him, he’s got some nuts, and has not looked out of place whenever he has got the ball and whenever he has competed.”

Dozzell is one of a whole crop of kids that will hope to impress McCarthy in the summer as the Blues boss moulds his squad for another Championship season.

Among those hoping to figure are defenders Matt Clarke and Josh Yorwerth, who are currently on-loan at League Two sides Portsmouth and Crawley Town respectively.

“Clarkey has done really well and I thought that would be the case,” explained McCarthy.

“We have watched Josh (Yorwerth) at Crawley in a different team. Portsmouth have been flying high and it’s easier to play in that environment but, having said that, if you’re in a team that’s mid-table to bottom, you get plenty of work to do.

“I have seen Josh and he has done OK. Whether that’s given him the platform to be in our first team or not, I don’t know. But Clarkey will come back in pre-season and we will take a look at him.

“He (Clarke) has to make sure he is fitter, stronger, looks the part and plays the pre-season games.

“I won’t be doing any loaning out before that, I want to see if he can play in the first team.”

Inside – Jonas is a real tough nut, page 67