Central defender Gareth McAuley says wearing Town's captain's armband at Gillingham last night was a great honour. The Northern Irish international is favourite to succeed Jason De Vos as the Blues' full-time skipper when the season starts on August 9th.

McAuley said: "It is an honour to captain any club, and it certainly was to lead Ipswich Town on to the field.”

Another player will be wearing the armband tonight when a strong Blues side takes on Tiptree United at their Chapel Road ground (KO 7.45pm).

Town promised the Jam-makers the friendly in September 2007 after the Ridgeons Division One champions were expelled from the FA Cup for fielding two ineligible players, one of whom was former Town academy scholar Ian Nimmo.

Nimmo and former Northampton scholar Jamie Arlick played in a preliminary round tie against London APSA, who were subsequently reinstated into the competition, while both players were still officially registered to their former Football League sides.

The duo had been released in the previous July and Town, the Cobblers and Tiptree were all under the impression that they were free to play for another club.

However, neither Town nor Northampton had completed the necessary paperwork for the Football Association which officially terminated their scholarships.

The Blues are likely to field many of the senior players who missed out at Gillingham last night including Shane Supple, Alan Lee, Jaime Peters, Alex Bruce, Richard Naylor, Liam Trotter, Billy Clarke and Dean Bowditch.

Earlier in the week, Magilton said he intended to give Kevin Lisbie his first run out against West Brom on Saturday, but after the new signing from Colchester impressed in training last night he indicated that he is considering fielding the 29-year-old at Tiptree.

Honduran trialist Emilio Izaguirre may not be available due to red tape relating to his international clearance.

Tiptree are expecting a capacity crowd and advise fans to arrive early. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for concessions (OAPs and under-16s).

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