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Town boss Mick McCarthy says he’s not in any rush to spend the £8 million fee AFC Bournemouth paid for left-back Tyrone Mings last month.

Town's pre-season programme got off to a winning start after goals from Freddie Sears (2), Brett Pitman, Kieffer Moore and Joe Garner saw the Blues to a 5-0 victory over Drogheda at United Park.

Goals from Freddie Sears, David McGoldrick and Emyr Huws saw the Blues to a famous 3-1 home victory over promotion-chasing Newcastle United. Sears put Town in front in the 42nd minute, former Blues striker Daryl Murphy netted an equaliser for the visitors in the 62nd minute, but McGoldrick made it 2-1 seven minutes later and Huws sealed the three points - and Town's first back-to-back wins of the season - in injury time.

Boss Mick McCarthy admits that finishing in the top six is looking “increasingly difficult” but says while it is still within reach the Blues will continue to fight for every point. Eighth-placed Town, who are seven points plus goal difference off the play-off places, have six games remaining, starting with Saturday’s home match against Brentford.

Ten-man Town fell to a 3-0 defeat away against fellow play-off challengers Birmingham City with Will Buckley, Jon Toral and Maikel Kieftenbeld on the scoresheet. Buckley made the most of some hesitant defending to put the home side ahead on 23 before Douglas was shown a straight red card just prior to the break and Toral and Kieftenbeld smashed home stunning second-half volleys to seal the victory.