Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is confident that teenager Cameron Humphreys is ready to step up in the absence of senior midfield duo Lee Evans and Dominic Ball.
Evans (knee) is sidelined until 'in and around the Christmas period', while Ball (knee) is likely to be ruled out for the remainder of the season.
With Panutche Camara still getting fully up to speed following a recent return from groin surgery, that's left the door ajar for Humphreys to start three of the last four games.
The talented homegrown youngster has looked very much at home, scoring and assisting in the 3-2 win at Port Vale, having a big hand in two goals at Bracknell and impressing in a dominant home draw with Cheltenham.
“We're delighted with his performance in every game that he's had this year really," enthused McKenna, Humphreys having previously featured in all three Papa John's Trophy group games, as well as the Carabao Cup defeat to Colchester.
"I'm not surprised because I see it every day in training. His willingness to keep learning and his humility has been outstanding.
"He's so mature, so concentrated and is such a tactical leader. At Bracknell, we asked him to play as a right-sided inside forward after one day's training in that role. But he completely understood it and took it on.
"Then second half he goes to a deeper role and is helping and managing Panutche through the game, who is still understanding the system. Cameron, at 19-years-old, is the one who is speaking and helping his team-mates."
The Blues boss, whose side travel to Exeter City for a televised lunchtime League One clash this Saturday, continued: "There are very few 19-year-olds playing for the bigger teams in this league who have come through academies.
"Of course, you get some players who come in on loan from the major academies, but for a homegrown kid performing how he has at a big club like Ipswich Town is a credit to him.
"He's a great kid, good prospect, intelligent player and I'm enjoying working with him.
"We're very happy to have him. He's an important player for now and for the future. He’s certainly going to be important in the next few games."
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