Mick McCarthy has not made any contact with Everton regarding the long-term future of Callum Connolly after the loanee’s impressive displays of late.
The youngster was signed as defensive cover but was pressed into midfield action due to a string of injuries, where he hasn’t looked back with a run of impressive displays which have yielded three goals in his last four games.
When asked whether he had contacted the Toffees regarding the chances of a permanent deal, the Blues boss insisted both he and the Goodison club are happy to let the productive loan spell run its course before potentially having the discussion in the summer.
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“There’s no point,” McCarthy said. “I don’t go asking stupid questions because when people ask me stupid questions I give them a stupid answer.
“All they’ll say is ‘let it run it’s course and we’ll see how he does, if we think he can be a player for us we’ll bring him back, if we don’t we’ll tell you how much he’s going to cost’.
“The reality is that he’s here and he’s playing. Sometimes (asking if he can buy) can just muddy the water. Let’s just let him play, let him do what he’s doing.
“He’s been brilliant in midfield,” McCarthy added: “Yes, I signed him as a right-back-cum-centre-back, maybe I get criticised for that… maybe I should get a bit of credit for playing him midfield and telling him he’s a goalscorer.
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“He’s been different class. Wow, I think he’s been sensational to be honest with you.
Connolly, speaking after Reading game in which he scored the opener, insisted he is loving life at Portman Road but still hopes for a future at his parent club.
He said: “I love it here and just feel I’m playing well and enjoying my football.
“I feel I’m improving under a great manager and great players and just developing as a player.
“I’m enjoying playing in midfield and hopefully we can help push up the league.”
On Everton, he added: “It is going well under a new manager. I have not had any contact but hopefully if I keep getting games, keep scoring goals and perform well he will see me and things might change for me there when I get back.”
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It’s not just McCarthy who has been impressed by Connolly, with Cole Skuse recently speaking of his admiration for his midfield partner’s work ethic. He is less impressed with his choice of hairstyle, though.
“There must be something in the DNA at Everton because I remember Conor Grant being the same when he was on loan here. They are such good professionals.
“Callum is one of the first to arrive in the morning and he does his prep before training. He trains to the max and afterwards he looks after himself properly.
“He has been a joy to play alongside, although I’ve told him umpteen times to get his hair cut. That fringe is horrendous – but other than that he’s a joy.
“He’s a lovely guy, a great lad and I forget how young he is at times because he conducts himself in such a real good manner.”
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