Ipswich Town face a tricky test in tonight’s FA cup replay against Portsmouth.
Mick McCarthy’s side will be to extend their cup ambitions a bit longer, after the sides shared a 2-2 draw in the third round of the cup from earlier this month at Portman Road.
Ipswich have been doing well of late and are just outside play-off spots in the Championship, while Portsmouth will be hoping for a morale boosting win at Fratton Park after recent disappointment in League Two where they now sit fifth.
Mick McCarthy has seen various Irish players pass through his hands over the years, and tonight he may be about to give two young Irish hopefuls a chance to shine in the cup.
18-year-old Kerryman Shane McLoughlin is named on the bench, while McCarthy has also included ex-Shelbourne player Adam McDonnell as part of his match day squad.
TEAM NEWS: Here's the #itfc side to face @officialpompey this evening, with plenty of changes made by the boss. pic.twitter.com/bA0iAlwNtB
— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) January 19, 2016
McLouglin is rated as one of the club’s best youth prospects and has been been a key player for the club’s U21s this season.
We doubt if he will get a chance to stake a late claim for the Euro2016 squad, but it’s still good to see a young player get a chance to experience the magic of the FA Cup.
Last season he led Ipswich Youths to an FA Youths Cup win, and it is hoped he will be soon making an impression at international level.
Central midfielder Adam McDonell is also thought highly of at the club, and under McCarthy, hopefully they will do enough to impress Irish coaches over the coming years, perhaps starting tonight if they see some action.
Cover Pic: TWTD.CO.UK
