With the opening game just two weeks away, Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy is putting the final touches to his squad as he prepares for the visit of Birmingham City.

The former Ireland boss has made a number of new additions this summer, with Emyr Huws, Tom Adeyemi, Dominic Iorfa, Bersant Celina and Joe Garner the new faces at Portman Road, but McCarthy needs another central defender, and should consider a swoop for Watford man Adrian Mariappa.

The Jamaican international joined Watford from Palace just last year, but could be on the move again having seen his chances at Vicarage Road become extremely limited.

At the age of 30, Mariappa will want to play consistent first team football to ensure his place in the national team does not come under threat, and impressing in the Championship with the Tractor Boys could be the perfect opportunity for the player.

McCarthy will hope to guide his side further up the table following a distinctly average mid table return last time out, and the addition of player’s of Mariappa’s quality will make a difference in the coming months.

Chances will be further restricted next year at Watford following the arrival of Marco Silva, and Mariappa may seek an initial loan move if a permanent switch cannot be agreed.

McCarthy should look to take advantage of any situation, and bringing the player to Suffolk would be a real coup for the long serving boss.

Would you like to see Mariappa at Portman Road next season, Ipswich fans?