Teenage Ipswich Town right-back Josh Emmanuel has joined League Two side Crawley on loan ahead of today’s 5pm deadline.
The broad-shouldered 18-year-old impressed on his full debut, the 2-2 season-opener at Brentford, and subsequently featured against Brighton (subbed at half-time of a 3-2 home defeat) as well as League Cup ties against Doncaster and Manchester United.
He signed a two-year professional deal in August and has now been loaned out for some valuable first-team experience.
The London-born full-back joins Town club-mate Josh Yorwerth at Broadfield Stadium. Mark Yates’ side, who are currently 15th in the table, are at Carlisle on Saturday.
“I was at Crawley watching Josh Yorwerth on Friday night,” said Blues boss Mick McCarthy. “They’ve done really well and Josh (Yorwerth) has certainly helped them move out of the relegation zone.
“Mark Yates is looking for players. He’s got Lewis Young playing at right-back, who is a winger really, so if they are looking for a right-back then Josh Emmanuel will be perfect for them. He’ll be great.
“He played in our first game at Brentford and was excellent. He did well in the cup ties too. He’ll be more than capable at that level.
“He needs first team football. We can’t keep dragging him around, just having him on the bench and giving him Under-21 football. He needs a run of proper games.”
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