IPSWICH TOWN HAVE secured the future of Ireland U19 international Adam McDonnell after agreeing the terms of a new two-year contract.
The teenager moved to Portman Road from Shelbourne in 2014 and made his Championship debut against Derby County in the final game of last season.
McDonnell, who came through the youth ranks at Shels, has put pen to paper on a deal which will see him remain at Ipswich until the summer of 2018.
The new deal also includes the option of a further 12 months.
“The last few weeks my agent and the Club have been talking but it’s great to finally have it done and signed,” he told the club’s website.
“Last season I made the bench four or five times and I was happy with that, I couldn’t have had a better end to the season than playing against Derby as well.”
The highly-regarded midfielder caught the attention of Mick McCarthy during Ipswich’s pre-season trip to Ireland two years ago and his progress was rewarded last term with two first-team appearances.
After complications over the recruitment of ‘foreign’ players meant he had to wait patiently for his opportunity, McDonnell is now determined to break into the team this coming season.
“This season it will be about more than just making the bench but to get more playing time. I’m still only 19 but I feel I’m good enough to be in the first-team so I’m looking to play more this year,” he added.
McDonnell was back at Tolka Park last weekend for Ipswich’s friendly against his former club and McCarthy says he has been impressed with the Dubliner.
“Adam’s progressing all the time,” he said.
Whoops!
We couldn't find this Tweet
“He had a disruptive start to his career, he couldn’t play because of the Fifa regulations that said he couldn’t sign until he was 18.
“So he was training but he couldn’t play and he got homesick because it affected him. He’s settled down now, though, and I thought he played really well in the Derby game so hopefully he’ll continue to progress so we can see him as a first-team player.”
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
