“This is my first award in men’s football so I’m grateful. There’s a lot of players that could have won it, a lot of top talent, but I was happy to be chosen.

“Everyone has helped me on the journey. This is my first season in men’s football, so I didn’t know what to expect. I think this season so far has been successful and to be playing in front of the Ipswich fans week in and week out is a dream come true.”

On the talented youngster’s development, McKenna said: “It’s been great for us to see that journey and to try and help that journey along the way, and I know that he’s very appreciative of all the help that he’s had from everyone here.

Omari Hutchinson has made 16 starts and 25 sub appearances for Ipswich Town so far this season. (Image: Ross Halls)

“He’s having a very strong season, especially for someone in their first season of men’s football. He’s come on in great strides in many different areas, but he’s also very grounded and very humble.

“He knows he’s only at the very start of his career. He’s got aspirations and he wants to continue to improve much further from where he is now.

“I’m sure if he shows the same attitude and mindset that he has done up to this point that he’ll continue to do so.”

Third in the table with nine games of the regular season to go, Town will look to bounce back from Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Cardiff – a game in which they conceded twice in stoppage-time – when they host Sheffield Wednesday in a rare 3pm kick-off on Saturday.