Ipswich Town: Jacob Greaves has 'really bright future', says McKenna

Having been named in last season’s Championship Team of the Year, Greaves joined newly-promoted Town in a £15m deal from Hull City back in July. 

The 24-year-old has been one of the Blues’ best performers in the early stages of the Premier League season, starting all seven games and winning the supporters’ vote for August Player of the Month. 

Jacob Greaves has taken to life in the Premier League very well (Image: Ross Halls) “He's adapted very well, no doubt about it,” said McKenna, discussing a player who already has more than 200 senior career starts to his name.

“It was a benefit having him here early in pre-season. I think you can see that in his performances. He didn't do a whole pre-season with us, but he had a good amount of pre-season games, which not all the new players have had the benefit of having. He improved bit by bit in those and developed his understanding. 

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“I think he can be pleased with his performances in the early games. There's still a lot to come, there are still moments and instances where the quality of the opposition or certain movements have caught him out, like they can with any defender or with any young player.  

“There's so much scope for him to keep learning. If he can stay consistent with his mindset and keep picking up consistent minutes in the Premier League, he's a player with a really bright future. 

“I think, just turning 24 years old, the athleticism that he's showing, ball-playing qualities and left-footed, that's always a little bit rare, so I think he's on a good pathway. But he needs lots of support and I'm encouraging him to stay on that pathway as well.”

Jacob Greaves challenges Luis Diaz in Ipswich Town's opening day 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool. (Image: PA)