Boss Mick McCarthy says he’s delighted to have been able to offer five of this season’s academy second-year scholars professional contracts, but doesn’t expect any of them to break into the first team immediately.

Left-back David October (pictured), from Cambridge, who has skippered Russell Osman's U18s this season, is amongst the quintet, who have all been offered one-year deals.

Striker Jack Marriott, from Kettering, and Ipswich-born fellow frontman Tom Winter, who has been at the club since he was eight, have been regular scorers for the U18s this season.

Central midfielder Jonny Leddy, from Cavan, has won caps with the Republic of Ireland at U16, U17 and U18 levels, while winger Mark Timlin, from Buncrana, has previously played for Ireland's U16s.

McCarthy said: “They’re all really good young footballers who go about their job in the right fashion. I think they’ll make good professionals because they all train well, they’ve all got ability, but there’s none of them nailed on for my money to be pros straight away and be in the team.

“It’s an opportunity for them to have another year at a place they’ve been nurtured, they’ll get loved and coached and worked with and hopefully we can get them in the team.

“They’re all different positions but at similar positions in their careers, in their lives. It’s an opportunity for them to progress.”

But he warns that nothing should be taken for granted with players at this stage of their progression: “There’s nothing gilt-edged, not at that age. It’s just nice that we’ve got five that we can give an opportunity to and it’s nice that they can see things that way.

“They’re at a club where they’ve been nurtured for a long time. We want to continue to coach them and work with them and get them, hopefully, in and around the first team.

“It’s never guaranteed, but we’ve got a good academy, Bryan Klug runs it well, and we’d like to get someone in the first team. That’s the first step for them.”

The Blues boss says none of the five are likely to make that breakthrough before the end of this campaign: “We’re not going to see them this season. The squad we have of about 20 players are the ones who are going to see the season out.”

Photo: Action Images

Foreverdon_Blue added 09:59 - Feb 16 This is really good news and proves that Klug and Osman are doing something right. I think the long term future if ITFC is really promising, we just need to stay up this season!
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daniel9624 added 10:45 - Feb 16 5 is a decent number to be offering deals too. Usually only 2 or 3 really progress, so this shows we are doing something right. Pretty sure Byron Lawrence is already tied to us for a similar period too, so we have a decent group ready in the next couple of years.
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MattinLondon added 11:26 - Feb 16 MM doesn't come across as the sort of manager to offer new contracts to just anyone so he must hold these players in high regard. If we are safe with a few games spare then it'll be good to see some youngsters in the team as I we know what the regular experienced players are capable of - or aren't capable of given their performances this season.
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brian_a_mul added 11:37 - Feb 16 Byron is on a pro contract and training with the first team. Im sure he is the ONE the club will be looking to progress over the next season or two towards a first team place. Leddy is a very good player, he is regarded as a rising star in the Irish underage international scene. Winter is another that could make it, he is local and has a good eye for goal! Would love if they all could make it! Well done lads on getting your contracts,!

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muccletonjoe added 12:48 - Feb 16 Fair enough from mick , i dont think there would be much to gain from throwing them in at this stage
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arc added 17:13 - Feb 16 It is so good to have Bryan Klug back at the club.
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dawoolah added 21:28 - Feb 17 2 Kettrin' boys on the books now and I'm reliably informed that Jack Marriott is the business. Goo on the Tain!
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MathieandMarshall added 12:25 - Feb 18 We need to get back to a stage where we can bring decent young players through and get a few years out of them before selling them on for big money. I know that we, as fans dont want to see young players getting sold but this is how a club of our size survives and progresses! its been too long (Wickham aside) that we were able to really profit from our youth academy (going back to Dyer/Bramble) hopefully things are now starting to head back in that direction. I always find it exciting to see a young product of the academy come off the bench for his debut! Good luck boys!

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harlingblue added 01:22 - Apr 12 A real Manager In Mick McAuthey that the players and supporters are proud of, a great second in command with Terry Connor, Brian Glug masterminding The Academy with Russel Osman, things are getting better at last for ITFC.
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