Irish tyro Adam McDonnell set to face United after impressive debut

Former Shelbourne Red Adam McDonnell could be about to face Manchester’s famous Reds of United after the young midfielder finally took his belated first bow for Ipswich Town in their 4-1 League Cup win at Doncaster on Tuesday night.

McDonnell made an impressive debut for the Tractor Boys, who will now face Manchester United at Old Trafford in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup.

“I thought Adam McDonnell was excellent on his debut against two good players,” said Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy of the player who only turned 18 in May. McCarthy had wanted to bring him into his first team panel last season but, having signed him from Shels almost exactly 12 months ago, the former Ireland boss was furious when Fifa red tape – pertaining to the recruitment of ‘foreign’ players and the standard of academic education clubs have to provide them – prevented his call-up to the first team until he turned 18.