IPSWICH Town manager Mick McCarthy has revealed it only took him five minutes to decide to sign Chippenham defender Tyrone Mings after watching him in a trial game.

The left-back started his career at Southampton’s academy alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but moved to non-league Yate Town before eventually making his way to the Bluebirds.

The 19-year-old is the son of former Chippenham boss Adie Mings, and was spotted by the Tractor Boys’ FA and UEFA Cup winning defender Russell Osman whose son Toby plays for the Hardenhuish Park club.

Mings recently spent time at Ipswich’s Playford Road tranining ground and played for 70 minutes in a behind-closed-doors game against a Nike Academy side on Monday, which was enough to convince McCarthy to offer him a deal.

“He played in the reserve game the other day – we’re going to sign him,” he said.

“Russell (Osman) and Steve McCall watched him, we invited him to come in and play and he did well.

“He’s a left-back come left-sided centre-back. He’s six foot three.

“He came through Southampton’s academy – he’s not somebody who’s just suddenly emerged and that helps. I was really pleased with him on Monday.

“We’ll see how well he does. I’ve only seen him for an hour and 10 minutes, but I decided after five minutes that I wanted him.”

Mings is now expected to compete alongside Blues left-back Aaron Cresswell for a place in the side.