Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy has just 16 outfield first-teamers available for Saturday’s trip to Derby County. Chief Football Writer STUART WATSON spoke to his counterparts at Rotherham and Carlisle to find out how loanees Paul Taylor, Anthony Wordsworth and Jack Marriott are getting on.

PAUL TAYLOR

On loan at Championship rivals Rotherham until January.

GAMES: Wolves W 1-0 (h) subbed after 62 minutes, Watford L 0-2 (h) played whole game, Millwall W 1-0 (a) played whole game, Swansea L 0-1 (a) cup-tied.

“He’s very quickly become the key man with some sensational performances. With his close control and pace he’s already a fans’ favourite. The only thing that has let him down has been his finishing.

“He’s been playing on the left in a 4-5-1 formation, cutting in and linking up with striker Alex Revell well.

“On his debut against Wolves he tired, but against Watford and Millwall he was excellent. He played a big part in setting up the winning goal last weekend. I’ve made him my Man of the Match with a rating of 8/10 in the last two matches.”

– Paul Davis, Sheffield Star

ANTHONY WORDSWORTH

On loan at Rotherham until January 10

GAMES: Millwall W 1-0 (a) played whole game, Swansea L 0-1 (a) cup-tied.

“Anthony says he has settled in very quickly and that it only took him five minutes to feel part of the dressing room here. It’s early days to judge him, but there were plenty of positive signs from his debut at Millwall last weekend. Playing on the left-side of a central midfield three, he was strong in the tackle and got forward numerous times showing he’s not afraid to shoot.

“Scott Loach is second choice keeper to Adam Collin, but Frazer Richardson had a superb pre-season and was nailed on to be the first choice right-back until injury struck, while Paul Green was excellent until his injury recently. Ipswich must have a really good squad to have let some of these players go.”

– Paul Davis, Sheffield Star

JACK MARRIOTT

On a one-month loan at League Two side Carlisle United.

GAMES: Cheltenham D 0-0 (a) subbed after 82 minutes, Southend D 1-1 (h) subbed after 71 minutes.

“He’s started two games and could easily have had three or four goals no problem. There have been a couple of one-on-ones the keeper has rushed out to save and some near misses.

“There’s a fair amount of pressure on his young shoulders, coming into a side that has started the season pretty poorly, but he’s looked bright on the ball, taken up good positions and made some great runs.

“There have been a few signs he can forge a good partnership with Billy Paynter. The manager’s been impressed and I’m sure they’ll try to extend the loan.”

– Jon Colman, Carlisle News & Star