Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy is delighted with the way teenagers Jack Marriott and Jordan Adekunle have integrated into first team training.

Academy graduate Marriott was handed his first professional contract in the summer after making his senior debut as a substitute in the season-finale at Burnley.

The 19-year-old – who has scored freely at youth and reserve team level – has been an unused sub in recent home games against Brighton and Burnley, also travelling as an extra man for numerous away trips.

Speedy winger Adekunle was snapped up after impressing in a pre-season game against Town for League One side Crawley.

The 17-year-old is yet to be included in a first team squad, but he’s been a regular for the Under-21 side.

With Paul Taylor currently out on loan at Peterborough United, Marriott is currently the club’s fourth choice striker – behind David McGoldrick, Daryl Murphy and Frank Nouble in the pecking order.

And many supporters are keen to see him in first team action, comparing his goalscoring exploits to former Blues academy player Jordan Rhodes.

“He’s enjoying it,” said McCarthy.

“He’s scored some good goals in training and seems to have that happy knack of putting the ball in the net.

“He’s loving training with the first team.”

On Adekunle, a player who could add some real pace and direct-running to the team, the Town boss said: “Jordan has trained with the first team quite a lot and doesn’t look out of place.

“He’s probably not ready yet, but he’s certainly got something.”

McCarthy also moved to sign 18-year-old left-winger Jack Doherty in the summer, from Irish side Waterford United – the club where Daryl Murphy started his career.

“Jack’s had a lot of injuries unfortunately and that’s hampered him,” said McCarthy.

“And I think he’s just felt it being away from home as well. He’s not really progressed at all, but hopefully we’ll see more of him once the injuries are out the way.”