Kieran McKenna wants Ipswich Town youngster Somto Boniface to be ready to feature when called upon this season.
The 20-year-old, who joined from Chelsea’s academy last year, is yet to make his senior debut for Town, having been a regular for the club’s Under-21s side.
Advertisement
He has, however, been named on the bench for a handful of league and cup games, including last Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Millwall.
Many supporters are keen to see him involved, and he nearly was in the absence of a number of key players against the Lions, with the likes of Marcelino Nunez [hamstring], Ashley Young [hip], Cedric Kipre and Leif Davis [both suspended] all unavailable.
More:Who has been inducted into the Ipswich Town Hall of Fame since 2007?
Advertisement
Asked how close Boniface was to getting minutes in that game, McKenna replied: “This week, him and Elkan [Baggott] were probably one very small injury or something.
“Jacob very, very nearly didn’t make the game today. Then Elkan’s in the team and Somto’s not far away either, so he trains with us all the time and he’s a good young player.
“He needs to be – when I say about everybody being ready to contribute, he’s certainly in that bracket.
Advertisement
Discussing Greaves’ knock after Saturday’s match, McKenna explained: “He’s done well to get himself out there. The tackle that he took last week in Sheffield, he’s barely kicked the ball all week to be honest.
“He managed to get himself out there today and get through the game.”