LUKE Chambers believes young full-back Elliott Hewitt has a “tremendous future” ahead of him in the game.

The teenage right-back made his second successive appearance for Ipswich as a sub in Saturday’s defeat at Leeds United.

Like his debut against Millwall, Hewitt was handed only a few minutes by Mick McCarthy as the Blues boss carefully manages the 18-year-old’s recovery from the hip impingement injury which blighted his first summer at Portman Road.

Fans are quickly getting excited about Hewitt’s potential, especially after experienced right-back Bradley Orr was at fault for Leeds’ crucial second at Elland Road.

And it seems the feeling is replicated inside the dressing room, judging by Chambers’ comments.

The centre-back said: “Everyone was delighted for Elliott getting his debut. He is a tremendous lad and I think he has a tremendous future ahead of him.

“It is a fantastic signing for the club as I think others bigger than Ipswich were looking at him. Unfortunately, he had the injury he had, but he has come back stronger.

“He looks like an athlete and he is an option. You saw his attacking prowess against Millwall – he is one to be very positive about.”

While Orr appears to have the right-back berth for now, McCarthy has made no secret of how impressed he has been with Hewitt in the six weeks since he replaced Paul Jewell.

Chambers believes one key factor in the change of management is that no one’s position is safe in the team.

He explained: “The gaffer has made no secret that if you are not performing to your best and not buying into what he wants, you will be out.

“Maybe, people who were possibly comfortable in the team under the previous manager have found that it is a new start for everyone. “People have come in and done very well over the last few weeks.”

Chambers believes the side has adapted quickly to the ideas of McCarthy and his assistant manager Terry Connor.

And despite the 2-0 defeat at Leeds on Saturday, the former Nottingham Forest defender is adamant the Blues will keep moving away from the bottom three.

Chambers added: “We never talked about a relegation fight, but when the results aren’t going well, it is always in the back of your mind. But ever since I signed for the club and seen what is here. I never had any doubts. You are never too good to go down but we have remained positive.

“The gaffer has made no secret of the fact he won’t be getting carried away – and we won’t either. They have come in with their own ideas and the lads have bought into them quickly.”