Please log in or register. Registered visitors get fewer ads.
Quinn and Smith Could Face West Brom
Quinn and Smith Could Face West Brom
Friday, 21st Aug 2009 11:18

Midfielder Alan Quinn and defender Tommy Smith could be in line for starts when the Blues travel to West Brom for Saturday’s live Sky game (KO 5.20pm). The duo were given an hour in Wednesday’s reserve game against Peterborough and look to be in manager Roy Keane’s plans as Town go looking for their first Championship win of the season.

Quinn could come into the centre of midfield area in which Colin Healy and Liam Trotter failed to impress against Crystal Palace on Tuesday. The former Sheffield United man could be joined by Owen Garvan, who is yet to make a start this season.

Keane will have to decide whether he plays the 4-3-3 formation used in the opening few games or continue with the 4-4-2 utilised against the Eagles in midweek. If he sticks with a three, Liam Trotter may keep his place with Jaime Peters still ruled out with the ankle injury he sustained against Leicester, while Ed Upson could be on the bench after again doing well in the reserves.

Lee Martin and Jon Walters are likely to continue in the wide roles regardless of formation, despite neither overly impressing so far this season.

Smith could come in at the back, probably at centre-half for Pim Balkestein alongside Gareth McAuley, although the former England U17 international was previously used at left-back by Roy Keane in last season's final game against Coventry and the 19-year-old may replace Damien Delaney.

Keane will also have to choose between David Wright and Alex Bruce at right-back with the Irish international also in with a chance of a central defensive role.

Ben Thatcher could play for the reserves next week, although is still a fair way of a return to the first team after last season's knee ligament injury. Luciano Civelli isn't due back until early 2010 and David Norris until Christmas, also due to knee ligament injuries.

Up front, Keane says it's too soon for Pablo Counago to return to the first team despite clearly impressing his manager in the reserves game earlier in the week. The Spaniard could be back in contention for a return to the senior side next week.


Jon Stead may get a recall having looked more dangerous from the bench in midweek, probably alongside Tamas Priskin with Connor Wickham seeming unlikely to be given two starts in a week, particularly as the 16-year-old will probably play from the off at Peterborough in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.

Keane says he's hopeful that his side can make progress in the weeks to come and says that facing West Brom will be a significant test: "The way they've started they look like they're going to have a great chance of being promoted.

"It's another challenge, it's a good game for us and we're looking forward to it. Despite the sluggish start we've had, I'm sure in the next few weeks there'll be a big improvement.

"There have been parts of the game where we've been not bad, but it's been too brief. We've certainly got to stop giving away the type of goals we've been giving away and we need some of the senior players to step up to the plate and show leadership skills."

West Brom have lost skipper Jonathan Greening, who has joined Fulham on loan for the season, while midfielder Borja Valero is set to move to Real Santander. Keeper Scott Carson replaces Greening as the Baggies' captain.

Graeme Dorrans misses out after being red-carded in the 3-2 win at Peterborough in midweek, while defender Gianni Zuiverloon is out for a fortnight with a hamstring strain, striker Ishmael Miller has a long-time knee problem, midfielder James Morrison a heel injury and defender Neil Clement a knee problem.

Striker Roman Bednar is back from his drugs ban but is unlikely to be involved due to his lack of fitness after his spell out.

New manager Roberto Di Matteo says he is looking forward to facing Roy Keane again after enjoying their confrontations during his time as a Chelsea player: "We had a few battles during our careers and I always enjoyed them because there were always good clashes against Manchester United and against Roy Keane in particular.

"I think we will both be happy to have a glass of wine now after the games rather than clashing on the field.

"We were always fair. It was hard and tough but fair. He was a good player and a strong personality who was well-respected in his team.

"He probably has a bit more experience than me and has been in the job a bit longer. He's got a bit more hair than me as well so I don't see too many comparisons.

"I think at the end of the season Ipswich will be up there and so will Nottingham Forest."

Town have had much the better of the Baggies over the years, winning 32 games between the sides (30 in the league), drawing 15 (13) and losing 20 (19).

The teams last met at Portman Road on New Year's Day 2008 when goals from David Wright and Jason De Vos gave the Blues a 2-0 victory.

Earlier in the season, the Blues had lost 4-0 at the Hawthorns with three of the goals coming in the final three minutes of the match. Ishmael Miller, Filipe Teixeira and Kevin Phillips (2) netted for the side then managed by Tony Mowbray.

No member of the current West Brom squad has played a first team game for the Blues, although keeper Dean Kiely spent time on loan at Portman Road in 1989 without making an appearance. None of the Town squad have played for the Baggies.

Saturday's referee is Premier League official Steve Tanner from Somerset, who showed 109 yellow and 10 red cards in 32 games last season. In his one match this term, Barnsley against Coventry last Saturday, he showed three yellows and one red.

Tanner's last Town game was the 3-2 defeat at Preston when the Lilywhites were awarded a very questionable penalty, although that was more down to the linesman than the referee.

Likely squad: R Wright, Lee-Barrett, Bruce, Wright, Delaney, McAuley, Smith, Balkestein, Garvan, Quinn, Trotter, Healy, Upson, Colback, Walters, Martin, Stead, Priskin, Wickham.


Photo: Action Images



Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.



BYRNE_16 added 13:32 - Aug 21
Lets hope we do a lot better that previous 3 games otherwise its going to be embarrassing - the nation is watching!
0

Back_The_Boss added 13:34 - Aug 21
good, they have both earnt a start.
COYB!!
0

gtd added 13:48 - Aug 21
Excellent shout - they deserve a start, especially Quinn. This should keep those pathetic boo boys quiet that say 'Keane just plays his favourites' etc etc.
0

ITFC1985 added 13:54 - Aug 21
Quinn looked pretty good when he came on against palace was actually trying to make stuff happen. We looked more dangerous with a 4-4-2 aswel i think Keane should try Walters up front because its no longer working when he's out wide teams can sniff out the Richard Wright ball to him every time

Wright
Bruce Pim McAuley D.Wright
Quinn Garvan Trotter Martin
Walters Stead/Wickham
0

UEFA81 added 13:56 - Aug 21
I have a sneaky feeling we'll edge this and play up for the TV cameras. Not just wishful thinking either - it's obvious Keano has given a lot of thought to this team selection and is not afraid to change things about a bit. Our season will start soon - it just seems they put the wrong type of diesel in our tractor at first but now the formula seems to be a much better one.

Come on you blues!!
0

Hinesy_itfc1 added 13:56 - Aug 21
Great we have a card happy refferee for a very difficult game. i just hope that the line up is the right one and the boys can put on a promising show. Bruce to centre half with wright a R/B and smith at L/B, Delaney and Pim out. Garvan and Trotter in the middle with walters and martin on the wings. stead and priskin up front, (priskin needs to prove he is the right signing and start linking up better) COYB Lets keep the faith and step it up a bit.
0

Plumbers_Crack added 13:59 - Aug 21
This would be a good time for them to impress and get a run of starts in the first team

COYB
0

Trickster added 14:01 - Aug 21
great shout from ITFC1985
0

cromwellblue added 14:03 - Aug 21
Comment in this article on Lee Martin is a bit harsh. I thought he's been one of the liveliest on the pitch.

Central midfield needs looking at. Against Palace Healy was out of his depth and no-one got close to the ball.

If Quinn plays it has to be central. In the absence of Norris he's the only ball carrier we have.

Shouls stay 4-4-2. The system at Coventry left Stead very isolated.

Team
Wright
Bruce, Pim, McAuley, Wright
Walter, Quinn, Trotter, Martin
Stead, Priskin
0

Dolly2.0 added 14:10 - Aug 21
UEFA81 - when was the last time Town played up for the cameras? We're normally rubbish on tele! I admire your optimism but it's not based on any logic. If we don't get stuffed I'll be delighted.
0

TomCrowvers added 14:23 - Aug 21
ITFC1985 and cromwellblue - your team selections look spot on. But will Keane agree? I doubt it. There is a case against West Brom from playing the 4-3-3/4-5-1 and having Garvan as the extra man in midfield to add some creativity though.
0

dobbie73 added 14:29 - Aug 21
Much as I would like to see Smith come in, it would be very harsh if Pim were the one to make way for him. For me, Pim is one of our breakthrough players this season and will be instrumental I believe. Would Keano drop McAuley for Smith? Maybe, but not convinced.

I know Quinn has often been the subject of criticism, and he can go wandering a bit I admit. But .... he is tenacious, he is committed, and he isn't scared to go into a tackle, go on a run, or have a shot. We should definitely start with him, and I would like to see his future secured here. His departure would be our loss!

I don't know about playing up to the cameras, but I just have this feeling we will do West Brom. It's illogical, absolutely no reason to think why we will, but I just do. I can just feel it will be one of those seasons when we underperform against 'lesser' sides and take some big scalps this year. When Keano gets the best out of the players and the teams clicks, we WILL demolish someone, and it might just be West Brom tomorrow ... hopefully. I'm predicting a very emotional (rather than rational) 3-1 win to Town tomorrow. Heart over brain!

COME ON YA BLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOZ!
0

northdevonblue added 14:35 - Aug 21
i think garvan should be in every week, best passer we have at moment, we always look better when he is on the field (that i have seen) . quinn is an old pro and could pick out some of the passes we have been lacking to our strikers
0

gtd added 14:35 - Aug 21
Spot on dobbie, part of me is quietly thinking we might get this one tomorrow - SURELY we can't have another poor performance?

Gotta agree about Quinn as well - I wasn't fond of him under Jim as I felt he was just in the team because he was the manager's mate. But seeing his energy and never-say-die attitude on Tuesday night completely changed my opinion on him. He's a committed player and given a good run in the team he could be an excellent engine in midfield, especially in the absence of Norris.
0

motch2009 added 14:37 - Aug 21
dobbie73 i would love you to be right!!!! big ask tho although WBA are missing lots of players. Think Smith deserves a chance but not at pims loss but also smith and pim are too inexperienced so catch22
0

Hinesy_itfc1 added 14:39 - Aug 21
dobbie73 - i pray that you are right and if you are it will be a very emotional and alcahl filled journey back to suffolk for me. COYB LETS DO IT LIVE TO THE NATION AND SHOW THEN WHAT WE CAN DO.
0

jamie22 added 14:39 - Aug 21
I agree that the comment on Martin is a bit harsh as he has worked his socks off every game! But i don't he has reached half of what he could be!
0

JSmith added 14:52 - Aug 21
if he brings in smith he may drop delaney and put pim left back so he can still ping balls out to walters which seems to be something keane likes.
0

FormerlyCGS added 14:56 - Aug 21
Wright
Smith(Delany is so poor)Pim Bruce Wright
Martin Garvan Trotter/Quinn Walters
Priskin Stead
0

tractorboybig added 15:05 - Aug 21
Lets hope they do not do a norwich opener on us. Its on the cards.
0

jas0999 added 15:12 - Aug 21
I don't want to be too negative, but our record at WBA is erm, poor! Agree we should be looking to replace Trotter and the hapless Healy - so Quinn and Garvan would be my choice.

Stead should start for Wickham as this could be a bruising encounter. Tommy Smith? Not sure about him - why not play Wright at left back?
0

blueboy65 added 15:34 - Aug 21
cant believe he would drop Pimm instead of McAwful, who AGAIN showed the Town Faithful he is not worth 2 million and noway is a leader in defenceor on the pitch
0

fugs added 15:50 - Aug 21
0

fugs added 15:52 - Aug 21
Whoops. Try again.
C'm oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon You bluesssssssss.
Prediction - 1-0 win for the Town.
I have't got Sky. Sob.
0

dirtydingusmagee added 16:12 - Aug 21
Right R K . You talk the talk.now in front of cameras lets see, and hope ,you walk the walk . Lets see Garvan, Quinn given a go ,think they were wasted with J M .I thought Martin was not going to be a good signing,but i think now he could come good ,seems a good crosser of the ball .COME ON YOU BLUES, lets get going .
0


You need to login in order to post your comments

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls

About Us Contact Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Cookies Advertising
© TWTD 1995-2024