Mick McCarthy believes new Ipswich Town signing Aaron Drinan is ready to make an impact in the Championship but has urged fans not to expect too much, too soon.
The teenage striker, who completed his move from Waterford at the start of January, was an unused substitute in the defeat by Sheffield United last weekend and could be involved again when Leeds United visit Portman Road today.
McCarthy believes the 19-year-old, who played 90 minutes for Town’s Under 23s against Crystal Palace on Monday, is good enough to make an immediate impact in England’s second tier but doesn’t believe the striker is ready to play week in, week out just yet.
“He’s good, everybody’s delighted with him,” McCarthy said.
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“Chambo said to me today ‘Aaron, what a good player he is’ and it’s nice that when your peers recognise that.
“He did very well against Crystal Palace but he will be a good player for us.
“He can compete in the Championship. Whether he can compete week-in, week-out and be the number nine, or number one striker – that won’t happen immediately.
“But he can have an impact in the Championship.”
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Drinan has been training with the Blues’ first team since October, prior to completing his move, and the youngster is pleased with how he has coped with the step up from playing in the second division in his native Ireland.
“I’ve been over here since October and to not be able to play in that time has been tough, but it was really good to be involved at the weekend,” he said.
“As soon as I came in everyone has been really good to me in training and it’s been good.
“I wasn’t really expecting (to be involved in the first team) but I’ve gone in and done well so hopefully I can keep it going. If I get a bit of game time I want to be able to show what I can do.
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“I’ve been standing on a few toes, Chambo’s especially, and I like to throw myself around a bit.
“For the first week or so it was about getting back used to playing but then I think I’ve been getting better and better every week and I can only improve by being here.
“It’s a more professional environment over here and people expect more of you.”
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