Kieran McKenna spoke with a calm authority in North Wales as he delivered his pre‑match press conference ahead of Ipswich Town’s FA Cup fourth‑round tie at Wrexham.
With the Racecourse Ground buzzing in the background, the Town boss offered clarity on injuries, selection decisions and the involvement of two promising academy players.
It was a grounded, open briefing that set the tone for a challenging but opportunity‑filled night.
Alongside the squad news, McKenna made it clear he wants his much‑changed side to attack the tie with full commitment.
He acknowledged the fixture congestion that would follow a win, with postponed games and a relentless run‑in already squeezing the calendar. But he insisted that Ipswich will not approach the FA Cup with anything less than total intent.
“I think the honest answer is that the schedule is a big challenge this year,” he said, referencing the twice‑postponed Portsmouth match and the abandoned Blackburn fixture.
Even so, McKenna stressed the importance of the competition to the club.
“We really like the FA Cup. The club has a proud history in it.
“Last year, we could have pretty easily got to the quarter‑finals, and we’d like to have that as part of this season as well.”
He emphasised that commitment cannot be dialled up and down depending on the competition.
“Commitment, effort, bravery and resilience are not things you can turn on and off like a tap. We can’t go into this game any less than 100 per cent.”
Looking ahead to Wrexham’s atmosphere and motivation, McKenna welcomed the challenge.
“We know they’ll be really, really keen to go through. To be honest, that just makes it more enjoyable for us.”
“I hope we just go out there and really have a swing at it, give 100 per cent and be as positive as we can.”
Two of Ipswich Town’s brightest young prospects will travel with the senior squad after impressing throughout the season at the Under‑21 level.
Versatile attacker Tudor Mendel and left‑back Somto Boniface have both been key figures in John McGreal’s high‑flying PL2 side, following their arrivals from Anderlecht and Chelsea.
McKenna confirmed that Boniface is guaranteed to be part of the 20‑man squad, praising the teenager’s rapid development and daily involvement in first‑team training.
“Somto Boniface will be in the squad,” he said. “He’s been doing really well and progressing all the time.”
Mendel is also in contention, with McKenna waiting on a couple of fitness checks before finalising his group. “It’s not impossible that he could be involved,” he added.
Ipswich’s squad remains stretched, opening the door for youth involvement.
Wes Burns will not feature after coming off with a groin issue at Derby.
McKenna confirmed the winger’s absence, saying:“Wes won’t be involved tomorrow due to the little issue he had last week.“
“Hopefully it’s not too serious, but he hasn’t trained this week.”
There was also an update on Marcelino Núñez and Jaden Philogene, who are edging closer but not quite ready for selection.
McKenna explained: “Marcelino and Jaden will return to full training with the group from the start of next week.“
They’ve both trained a little bit with the group this week, but they won’t be involved in the game.”
McKenna also provided a clearer picture of Ashley Young’s recovery from a significant hip injury. The veteran full‑back has seen a specialist, and the outlook is more positive than first feared.
“He’s progressing. He saw a specialist over the last couple of weeks, and thankfully, the news wasn’t as bad as it could have been.”
“So we’re really hopeful that we’ll be able to get him back with the group.”
The manager added that Young remains a huge presence off the pitch, continuing to influence the dressing room despite being unavailable.
New loan signing Dan Neil will make his full Ipswich debut after an encouraging cameo at Pride Park.
McKenna believes the Sunderland midfielder is ready for a bigger role as he builds match sharpness and settles into the squad.
“He showed some good quality,” McKenna said:
“Tomorrow night’s a great chance to build those minutes up and build those relationships on the pitch.”
With Dara O’Shea not involved in cup fixtures and Young unavailable, McKenna will also appoint a new captain for the tie.
