Town manager Roy Keane says striker Connor Wickham will benefit from going away with the England U19 squad next week. The England youngsters are involved in European Championships qualifying group games in Belgium.

Keane says the 17-year-old is still short on match fitness after missing much of pre-season and the start of the campaign proper with an ankle problem: “Without a shadow of a doubt because he’s not had a chance to get even 70 or 80 minutes under his belt yet. He’s had cameo roles of 45 minutes or so.

“I’m really pleased he’s going away with the England U19s next week. It’s just what he needs. If he hadn’t been going away he would certainly have been involved with the reserves at Millwall on Tuesday. He’s still getting up to speed like Mark Kennedy.”

The Blues boss says the break from life at Portman Road will be good for the striker after his spell on the sidelines: “We’re putting a lot of pressure on Connor and I think going away with lads his own age and getting a change of scene will do him the world of good.

“When you’re injured it can be hard work and he was out for two months. I know he’ll get well looked after there.”

England play Albania on October 8th, Cyprus two days later and finally hosts Belgium on October 13th. Wickham, who scored the winning goal in the final of the European U17 Championships last summer, is yet to win a cap at U19 level.

Photo: Action Images

Big_Foot_Blue added 13:15 - Oct 2 Totally Agree. He needs match practice and is probably sick of the physio room and practice pitch by now! Go on Connor, bag some goals for england then come back and do the same for us!
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JetaimePeters added 13:56 - Oct 2 Yeah! Get fitter Connor! Priskin will look after your place today pal!
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Acen added 14:43 - Oct 2 Good luck Connor!
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Crock added 18:26 - Oct 2 Sell him to Huddersfield for a packet of crisps then if a change of scenery will benefit him.
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Back_The_Boss added 08:36 - Oct 3 Totally agree, going away with U19's will help him significantly.
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suffolksam added 09:48 - Oct 3 what sort of scene is he involved in now ?
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RIPbobby added 15:19 - Oct 3 Mr Keane, he wont really be with lads his own age they will mainly be older!
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itfc4eva added 15:21 - Oct 12 certainly. great player
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