Mick McCarthy and his Ipswich Town side have enjoyed a wonderful start to the new campaign, and sit in the lofty position of second in the table following the opening five games of the season.

McCarthy has worked hard to improve his squad at Portman Road this summer, with the acquisitions of Martyn Waghorn and Joe Garner from Rangers proving to be wonderful pieces of business so far.

The pair have instantly found their feet on their return to England’s second tier, and McCarthy will hope the form of the pair can carry the Tractor Boys to an unexpected top six challenge.

The former Ireland boss hasn’t rested on his laurels however, and his side’s excellent start was backed up on deadline day with the season-long loan signing of promising Everton youngster, Callum Connolly.

The 19-year-old was part of the England U20 squad which lifted the nation’s first World Cup at any level in 51 years earlier in the summer with victory in South Korea, and the defender looks set for a bright future in the game.

Connolly was allowed to leave Goodison Park this summer to play regular first team football, and a switch to the second tier will certainly allow the youngster to flourish.

McCarthy is an extremely experienced manager with an excellent reputation for youth development, and Everton boss Ronald Koeman will be delighted that his young charge is learning under the tutelage of the former Barnsley and Celtic player.

Connolly will slip straight into the squad ahead of the weekend’s trip to QPR, and will certainly return to the north west a noticeably improved player, following his spell in Suffolk.

Ipswich fans, do you feel your side can sustain their excellent start to the season and launch a promotion push?