COLCHESTER-born midfielder Cameron Humphreys says playing for Ipswich Town’s first team this season has been a ‘real privilege’.

The 19-year-old has just completed his first season as a full-time member of Town’s senior squad, helping them clinch promotion to the Championship.

Humphreys made 19 starts - ten in the league - and seven substitute appearances during 2022/23, scoring three times.

The Town academy graduate said: “I hoped to play a lot of games this season, but if I’m honest at the start of the season my main target was to try and play the cup games, prove myself in them and see where I went because we’ve got a really competitive squad and everyone on the stage today has deserved to play.

“Some people have played not as much as maybe they’d want to.

“I’ve really enjoyed every minute I’ve played and maybe I’ve played more games than I thought I would in the league, but playing in front of these fans and with these players has been a real privilege this season, learning from them and trying to get better.”

Gazette: Cameron Humphreys

Humphreys penned his first professional contract for Ipswich in June 2021, after impressing for the academy.

Town’s 2021-2022 player of the year believes he’s progressed significantly, over the course of the season.

Humphreys said: “Definitely, I think I’m a much better player now.

“When you’re not in the team, it’s a testament to all the coaches the work they do at the training ground every day, in the gym with the strength and conditioning coaches.

“In all areas on and off the pitch, I think I’ve improved a lot and now I’ll have a well-earned break and then we’ll go again next season trying to improve again.”

Humphreys is now looking forward to a well-earned summer break but is already looking forward to next season, when he will be part of a Town squad competing in the Championship.

Humphreys added: “It’s a step-up for the team, but one we’re more than ready for.

“We’ve got players in the squad that can definitely compete and do well at that level, so I’m just excited to see what I can do personally next season but also what this team is capable of.

“It’s a really competitive squad and especially in the middle of the park we’ve got a lot of good and experienced players in there,” he said.

“It’s been a privilege to play with them and learn from them in training, how they conduct themselves on and off the pitch, and that’s really, really helped me.

“And I think they’ve been really good, I’ve been able to talk to them, so their advice and their knowledge has definitely helped me during the season.”