DAMIEN Delaney has spoken of his disappointment after loanee keeper Alex McCarthy was recalled by parent club Reading.

The England Under-21 keeper returned to the promotion contenders three games before his loan deal with Town expired and should make his Reading return on the bench at West Ham tomorrow.

His departure, which came just 24 hours after Town’s 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough on Tuesday night, has opened the door for Arran Lee-Barrett to return in goal.

And while Delaney is pleased for his team mate, he admitted today that the side will miss McCarthy who has improved after a shaky start to his 93-day loan spell.

The centre-back explained: “It is disappointing losing Alex, he was starting to look comfortable behind us.

“He is a big guy and it makes a huge difference for us when you hear a keeper coming and he was holding onto the ball as well. He was coming for corners which for us was a Godsend.

“It is a shame to see him go but Arran will come in and I am sure he will do a good job. The change in keeper will have an effect on the team – though hopefully not a big one.”

Delaney admitted he has some sympathy for Ipswich-born keeper Lee-Barrett who has been forced to watch David Stockdale, McCarthy and, on one occasion, Richard Wright be preferred.

The defender said: “For whatever reason, the manager has his own thoughts. But when Arran has come in, he has done ok. It must be difficult for him playing behind different partnerships in tough games. But if the rest of the team is settled, which it is, changing the keeper won’t make much of a negative impact.”

Speaking of McCarthy, Blues boss Paul Jewell said: “I think Alex got better the longer he was here. To start with it was difficult for him because the team was losing matches, but he was growing into the role and I think he’s got a big future ahead of him.

“Arran and Richard are both decent goalkeepers though.”

- Meanwhile, Carlos Edwards has officially put pen to paper on his new one-year deal at Ipswich after agreeing terms last month.