Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna hailed Irish international Jack Taylor’s ‘fantastic story’ following his dramatic stoppage-time winner against Wolves.
Taylor came off the bench to head home at a 94th-minute corner and secure the Tractor Boys their second Premier League win of the season in a vital win to move them one point behind Crystal Palace in their battle for survival.
The Republic of Ireland international has now scored in the top five levels of English football.
“The dressing room is delighted for him,” said McKenna to reporters after the game. “It’s another fantastic story in the group.
“I spoke about him last week, but these things get lost when you lose.
“Last week, stepping in for his first start in the Premier League, having come from Barnet in the National League, for what was his first competitive start in maybe six or seven months, to perform how he did (against Bournemouth) was incredible. It was a testament to him and the way he works, the way the group works every day and the way the staff works every day.
“Of course, he was disappointed not to start again today, but Jens (Cajuste) was in fantastic form as well, and I thought he played really well. So that’s a great position for the squad to have two players doing well in that role.
“As the top professional and top person he is, Jack understood that and made sure he was ready today to come on and have the impact he did. That was brilliant for him and brilliant from him.
“I think that’s our fourth player who has scored in every division in English football (Taylor, Conor Chaplin, Sam Morsy and Sammie Szmodics). There are 10 or 11 in history, and we have four.
“If anyone wants to look at it, six of our starting team today were with us in League One 18 months ago. Jack Taylor, who comes on and scores the winner, was in League One 18 months ago (with Peterborough). Ali Al-Hamadi, who comes on and helps set up the winner, was in League Two 10 months ago (with AFC Wimbledon).
“The group’s been on an incredible journey. Every individual in there has their story, and Jack has a lovely moment in his story today.”
This result could be detrimental for underfire Gary O’Neill. Matheus Cunha’s 72nd-minute equaliser looked to have saved Wolves from defeat against their fellow strugglers, but Taylor was left free to head in from a corner in the fourth minute of added time, sparking jubilant celebrations for the visitors and angry recriminations amongst Wolves players.
Rayan Ait-Nouri had to be ushered down the tunnel after the final whistle as arguments broke out within the home ranks, and boos rang down from the stands.
This is the second bust-up six days after Mario Lemina was stripped of the captaincy after a full-time scrap with Jarod Bowen, who are now five points from safety.