Kieran McKenna hails Dan Neil’s swift adaptation after Sunderland loan exit | OneFootball

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna says loanee Dan Neil has settled quickly at Portman Road, praising his intelligence and smooth adaptation since leaving Sunderland in January.

According to Sunderland Echo, the 24-year-old joined on a temporary deal in the winter window and, with his Wearside contract up at the end of the campaign, his Sunderland spell has effectively concluded.

On Saturday he made his fifth Ipswich appearance, and first at home, starting and playing an hour in a 3-0 victory over Swansea City.

Speaking before the game, McKenna said Neil had already started twice, including in the cup, and had made the tactical step-up fantastically well. He added that Ipswich’s physical demands mean 90 minutes twice a week would probably be too much too soon, so he would be eased in.

After the final whistle, the Ipswich boss described it as another good display, particularly in the first half, noting how comfortably Neil has fitted into the team. He said they would continue to build him up.

At the time of writing, Ipswich are fourth in the Championship, three points behind second-placed Middlesbrough, with a game in hand and a superior goal difference to Kim Hellberg’s side.

Source: Sunderland Echo