The Mark Kerr trial as reported on Saturday and yesterday has it seems already gone ahead. The 19-year-old Scot spent time with Town last week and is said to have impressed in training. However, the Leeds link too seems very real and Town may have a fight on their hands to sign the Falkirk man.

Kerr has long been a target of Town and George Burley attempted to bring him to Portman Road some months ago but was thwarted in this aim by Falkirk manager Alex Totten who said he didn't want Kerr going on trial anywhere. Totten felt that clubs interested should be able to assess Kerr on his performances in League games. George Burley, however, felt that the level of football Kerr was playing wasn't high enough for the player to be properly assessed.

However, Totten seems to have relented and allowed the midfielder to come to Town. Kerr is currently having his trial with Leeds.

Town would like to Kerr to return for another period, Totten saying: "I spoke to Colin Suggett who said Mark had done very well and Ipswich would like to take another close look at him."

Town apparently want to see Kerr play in a behind-closed-doors friendly at some point. Totten seemed happy that Kerr might return and also appears to be a bit of a Town fan: "I would love to see him join Ipswich. They have a great reputation with young players which goes back to Bobby Robson and the days when the Cobbolds were directors. That has not changed and the current board have carried that on. I know George Burley would look after him and bring him through in the right way."

No fee seems to have been agreed despite reports to the contrary at the weekend.

George Burley has described Town's gap of sixteen days without a game after Saturday as "hardly ideal." Town have no game in the period as there is an international weekend and Liverpool have made it through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup which clashes with Town's home game with the Merseysiders.

The Town manager said he had no plans to take the players anywhere, as he recently did when a shorter hiatus in the season occurred, and said he was glad that some of his players might see action for their nations during this period.

Town are to play a testimonial for Adam Tanner's brother Russell who plays for Braintree. He has been a stalwart of the Braintree side for some years and Town will field a side that is a mix of first-teamers and reserves.

The game will be played at Cressing Road on March 28th.

Canvey Island, the other home for retired Ipswich footballers, may be on their way to the FA Trophy final. They have been given a tough draw against ex-League club Chester in the semi-finals, but they have already shown what they can do against League clubs in the FA Cup this season, beating Port Vale 2-1.

A whole host of ex-Town men are at Canvey these days with Glenn Pennyfather the coach, Neil Gregory, ex-reserve Adam Miller, Adam Tanner and John Kennedy all plying their trade at the Essex club.

The semi is a two-legged afair with the home leg forst on March 31st and the second leg a week later.

Photo: Action Images

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