GRAFTER FREDDIE GETS HIS REWARD AT LAST
IPSWICH manager Mick McCarthy is impressed by the selfless play of Freddie Sears and is convinced his midweek double will be the spark the striker needs to go on a goal run.
The 27-year-old netted 13 goals in his first 29 appearances for the Tractor Boys, following his January 2015 switch from Colchester United.
But Sears was then converted into a hard-working wide player and had scored just five times in 77 outings prior to last Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Wigan.
Yet McCarthy believes he gets the best out of him when he leads the Ipswich line with a strike partner.
“That’s his best position, without a doubt,” said McCarthy. “Whenever we’ve played 4-4-2, he’s pretty much started up there.
“There was a time earlier on in the season when I only had a couple of strikers and he played wide left.
“He had his chances (to score) out there. When we’ve played 4-3-3, he’s played on the left.
“That (striker) is his best position, though. I know that without any doubt.”
Despite his barren period in front of goal, Sears continued to impress McCarthy with his workrate and attitude.
And the Ipswich boss is adamant the two goals in a comfortable Tractor Boys win will give him a great deal of self-belief.
“I would imagine Tuesday night has given him a huge amount of confidence,” added McCarthy.
“(With) strikers, it doesn’t matter what else they do. Scoring goals is what they thrive on.
“I think it’s remarkable how he’s kept going and how selfless he is. I wouldn’t know he was struggling for goals.
“Freddie is so unassuming, so low maintenance. He’s bright and cheery every morning.
“He comes in and shakes my hand, says ‘hello gaffer’, does his work and goes. He’s a great kid.”