Kieran McKenna has praised Cameron Humphreys’ continued contribution but knows the teenager needs support in the Ipswich Town engine room. 

The youngster has made 23 appearances for Town this season and has started the last four games, as injuries continue to hit the midfield with Lee Evans, Dominic Ball and Panutche Camara all absent. 

Massimo Luongo’s return in Saturday’s victory over Forest Green is a boost for the Blues, with McKenna pleased with how his side, and Humphreys in particular, have coped with the ongoing injury issues. 

“I think in general we’ve dealt with it well but, on Tuesday night (at Bristol Rovers), there was a really high level of fatigue in the pair (Sam Morsy and Humphreys),” McKenna said.

East Anglian Daily Times: Cameron Humphreys has impressed for Ipswich Town in his breakthrough seasonCameron Humphreys has impressed for Ipswich Town in his breakthrough season (Image: Ross Halls) 

“We have to understand that Cameron is still a physically maturing 19-year-old, taking his first steps in men’s football.  

“Having said that he is a fantastic character with brilliant athleticism for somebody with a slight build at the moment. His running numbers and distances are fantastic.  

“We’re loving having him as part of our season and journey as we go forward, but of course we want the bodies back. 

“I don’t think it’s going to be fair for Cameron to play 90 minutes in every game between now and the end of the season so it’s important we recover those bodies as quickly as we can.” 

Luongo has made two substitute appearances since returning to the Blues at the start of January, with the Australian putting in an impressive display from the bench against Forest Green. He replaced Humphreys, with the teenager himself contributing well in a game Town won 4-0. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Massimo Luongo is back in actionMassimo Luongo is back in action (Image: Ross Halls)

Speaking recently, captain Sam Morsy insisted Luongo will have a big role to play between now and the end of the season. 

“He’s going to be a really big player for us in the run-in,” the skipper said. 

“He trains really well, is a great lad around the place and I’m looking forward to him playing.  

“I’ve had battles with him over the years and I know his quality. I know for certain he’s going to add a lot to us.” 

East Anglian Daily Times: Massimo Luongo, pictured in action against Forest Green RoversMassimo Luongo, pictured in action against Forest Green Rovers (Image: Steve Waller)