Ashley Young joined Ipswich Town on a one-year deal this week.
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has revealed what position he has in mind for new signing Ashley Young.
The 40-year-old former Manchester United and Inter Milan star joined the Blues on a free transfer from Everton yesterday.
He wasn’t part of the squad that travelled to Scotland for a 3-1 friendly win at Aberdeen tonight but is set to be involved in Tuesday night’s game against Charlton, at Colchester.
The 39-cap England international has been a versatile player throughout his career, playing as a winger and full-back on both sides.
Asked what role he had in mind for him, McKenna replied: “Ashley can play lots of different roles, but I think his most common role last season (at Everton) and what it will probably be this season is right-back.
“But he’s a really versatile, intelligent player who’s played in almost every role on the pitch.”
That will leave Young competing with Ben Johnson and Harry Clarke for a starting spot.
Asked there was a coaching pathway for Young, McKenna replied: “He’s not interested in that at the moment. Maybe we can suck him in by the end of the year because we’ve managed to convert a few!
“But, for now, his big focus is on playing and helping the team achieve the goals this year. That’s where we need him.”
On why he brought Young to the club. McKenna added: “I think he’s one that can bring us different things on different levels.
“He’s got incredible experience, winning titles in different countries and having an incredible Premier League career.
“You don’t have that longevity without some pretty special qualities, which I think for him is his competitiveness and his edge that he has. He’ll bring that to the group and he’s still playing well.
“He played well last year for Everton. Played well against us. Played well in all the Premier League games he was involved in last year.
“So he can certainly still have a big part to play in the team. And I think around the building it’s clear we’ve lost an awful lot of experience from the group this year. That’s clear.”
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