Ipswich were very unlucky this year, a lack of consistency and some key injuries meant that they missed out on the play-off spots.

The lure of the top six will attract McCarthy this season and after failing against Norwich only a season ago and missing out this year, the Yorkshireman will want to reach the dizzy heights of the Premier League more than anyone next season.

Ipswich have a solid squad, with a few key additions that will have to fit the Mick McCarthy regime they really could become key contenders for that top six push.

The Tractorboys have a wealth of talent in their ranks, including striker Daryl Murphy, Freddie Sears and young talent Andre Dozzell.

FLW writer Conor McGilligan will take a closer look at McCarthy's Dream XI for next season.......

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE DREAM IPSWICH XI!

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Dean Gerken - GK

Dean GerkenDean GerkenDean GerkenDean GerkenDean Gerken

After suffering an injury against Birmingham in early January of this year Gerken has recovered and has become a popular figure at Portman Road.

His ability to voice his opinion alongside some key saves which were recorded only recently against the likes of MK Dons to keep the tractor boys in the lead show the 30 year olds pedigree in this division.

His longevity with the Suffolk based club now stretches to 3 years and you will struggle to find many keepers with the same commanding ability and experience as Gerken within the league.

Bartosz Bialkowski is a hugely popular figure at Town picking up Supporters' player of the season, but I do think Gerken is a more consistent and experienced head, controversial however his experience between the sticks is vital for any promotion chasing side.

McCarthy knows the value of Gerken and will be looking to keep hold of the veteran, especially for next season.

Josh Emmanuel - RB

Josh Emmanuel

Young, versatile and strong. These are attributes that fit perfectly in this division. McCarthy has already expressed how highly he rates the youngster and with the pedigree already in the ranks in previous seasons highlighted by Mings and Cresswell, Emmanuel could follow in their footsteps.

His quality has made him a feature of this Town rearguard this season, not a permanent on, but one McCarthy will definitely be using more frequently.

His strength in particular makes him a physical asset within this league and in my opinion someone who McCarthy wouldn't want to let go.

With experience around him Emmanuel could reach the very top of his profession. Not only that but his raw confidence and technicality could make the Tractor Boys a serious threat.

Tommy Smith - CB

Tommy Smith

A leader, a physical threat offensively and defensively and a leader Smith is what Town need more than anything to reach the top 6.

His stature and physicality, voice and opinion make him the complete centre back for this level, his solid performances have always been recognised by Town fans.

Once again making the most appearances this season Smith doesn't really need any confirmation that he has to be in this Ipswich side if they chase for that lucrative promotion deal.

McCarthy has rested Smith recently but knows the value of his centre back in his ranks.

Christophe Berra - CB

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The Scottish international (31) brings a host of Championship experience and international experience to the Ipswich ranks.

A defender that not a lot of Championship clubs could boast about as Berra led his Scotland team to an unlucky campaign but a proud one within the European qualifiers.

Berra has led his Scotland team out against the biggest outfits in the world (Germany, Italy, Spain) his pedigree ventures even higher than the Championship. With this level head and experience within the Town backline, Berra could be a key figure in Town's revitalisation next year.

Myles Kenlock - LB

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Like Emmanuel, Kenlock is an academy product who McCarthy rates very highly.

Pacey and very aware of the game at such a young age Kenlock is a superb product of the Suffolk clubs academy product line.

The kinetic graduate made his highly anticipated debut last week and shone as he set an inch perfect pass to set up the goal:

"They’re both young still, both only 18 or 19 the pair of them, and they’ve done really well. I’m delighted with them.”

McCarthy clearly understands the value and will be looking to embed the two within the squad fully next season.

Jordan Mutch - Cardiff - CM

Mutch

When looking at Ipswich's squad the better quality players for me, need to come in the midfield. Skuse, Bru and Bishop are all good players to have within the squad but for me, lack the experience of gaining promotion and also lack the quality and consistency to give Town those extra legs in the final push.

Jordan Mutch could be available for a cheap price this summer and is also a veteran at a relatively young age in The Championship.

Not a consistent starter in Wales, Mutch could be convinced to move to a promotion chasing Town within the summer if the offer and ambition was matched.

He is a box-to-box midfielder who knows what it takes to get out of the division.

His high level of motivation and drive throughout a match gets his team through and once again he would fit perfectly into a well drilled, well oiled McCarthy team as he would work offensively and defensively if given the right direction.

Adlene Guedioura - Watford - ACM

Adlene Guedioura

After being signed from Palace by Watford, the Algerian hasn’t really featured consistently in the squad, even after his stunning strike against Arsenal in the FA Cup.

After a successful spell with Nottingham Forest in the Championship, Guedioura set his sights higher as he moved to a Palace squad.

Since his spell at Forest where he scored 5 goals in 40 appearances with numerous assists, the Algerian really hasn’t found his feet.

His technical ability is superb, and with an Ipswich side sometimes to reliant on specific players to create chances, Guedioura would relish this and become the creative spark the club need to reach that top 6.

Eunan O'Kane - Bournemouth - CM

Eunan O'Kane

For me the number one draft pick for McCarthy. His ability feeds directly into a Mick McCarthy side.

His defensive alongside offensive mobility makes him a superb addition to any squad, but specifically for Town.

If Guerdioura and Mutch hypothetically joined the Town ranks, the balance would be perfect in that midfield, creativity, technicality and Kane provides the McCarthy brawn that grits out each match.

He has been named in O’Neill’s Ireland squad for the European Championships, he has undeniable quality and just needs a chance at a higher level. Ipswich would be perfect.

 

David McGoldrick - LW

David McGoldrickDavid McGoldrick

Injury ridden but also quality ridden McGoldrick could be key for Ipswich in a playoff contention squad.

His goals in the season before last lifted Town to another level and with the return from injury and possibly with a full season behind him next season, if the right partner is linked with the Nottingham born star it could be a very scary opposition for anyone coming up against Town.

Goals are what McGoldrick is all about, 24/80 games is a worthy stat and something Ipswich should exploit next season if they do strive for the top 6.

Peter Odemwingie - Stoke City - FW

Peter Odemwingie
A highly controversial but effective one.
Odemwingie could potentially be an incredible acquisition for Ipswich. Given his Premier League connections Ipswich fans may should be keen, but the 34 year old is quality in the opposition box, and with funds available but not excessive for Town in the summer this free transfer could be the perfect addition to partner McGoldrick and co upfront.
Odemwingie isn’t one for the future but given Ipswich lack of experience and nous in the forward areas this season he could make an ideal addition.

Lewis Grabban - Bournemouth - RW

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His career from Rotherham onwards has been staggering statistic wise. His return to Bournemouth hasn’t been prolific, but in the Championship he notched up nearly 50 goals in 110 matches. His ability in the opposition box is quality, he brings an element of surprise and unpredictability. Grabban would be a worthy acquisition and has proved he can do it in the Championship, something that is essential when going for the top 6 spots.

What do you think Town fans? Would you like these players within the squad? Would they get you promotion? Leave your comments below!