Mick McCarthy revealed Ipswich Town were not convinced by new-boy Jonas Knudsen on their first viewing of the Danish international.

Knudsen, 22, made his debut for the Blues as a second half substitute in Saturday’s final pre-season friendly at home to Utrecht, having put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal a day earlier.

Despite his tender years, the left-back has already played over 100 games for Danish club Esbjerg, winning the Danish Cup in 2013, and has also won two senior caps for his country,

It was that kind of pedigree that convinced Town to eventually make the move and bring the youngster to Suffolk.

“We knew he had a buy-out clause and all the credit goes to Dave Bowman (director of football), Jordan Miles (Head of Performance Analysis) and Terry Connor (assistant manager),” said McCarthy.

“They told me about this left-back they had seen on the internet and when I had a look he was quite clearly worth looking at.

“TC (Connor) had already been out to see him and he then went out again and the second game was much better.

“He (Connor) was not convinced the first time he watched Jonas but I told him that if he came back and said he (Knudsen) was everything we thought he was, then we would do it.

“Fair play to Marcus (Evans) he cracked on and got the signing done. We have had a bit of success at left-back so I hope that continues.” On Knudsen’s attributes, he added: “I am delighted with him, he is a really good player, a good size, who can defend well and also handle the ball well, with his feet and his hands. He has got a great long throw weapon.”

Meanwhile, Knudsen revealed that former Ipswich defender Thomas Gaardsoe (pictured), helped convince him to move to England.

“He took me under his arm and would tell me to do this and do that and said that I should play in the Championship in England one day and I was ready to make that next step,” said Knudsen, who played with Gaardsoe at Esbjerg.

“Now I understand and it’s fantastic to be here.”

He added: “I always had a dream to play here.

“I can run a lot and I like to defend well and keep clean sheets. I also like to get down the line and make some crosses.”

Another one of Knudsen’s attributes is his aforementioned long throw.

“My dad was good at long throws when he was a footballer and you always look up to him don’t you?” explained Knudsen.

“He made so many good goals with his throw-ins and he was always encouraging me.”