Winger Danny Rowe is hoping for further first-team involvement in the final two games of the season having made his full debut for Town during Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Rotherham.

With nothing riding on the match - the Millers were relegated some weeks ago and Town secured their Championship status with last Monday’s 3-1 victory over Newcastle - manager Mick McCarthy fielded a number of his fringe players at the New York Stadium, making nine changes.

McCarthy says he'll revert to a stronger line-up for next week's final home match against Sheffield Wednesday and away against relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest on the final day, if that match also has something riding on it.

Rowe, 25, was pleased to make his first start for Town, having previously appeared as a late sub at Cardiff after signing from Vanarama National League Macclesfield in January, but was unhappy to have been on the losing side.

"It was good to get out on the pitch and make my full debut but I’m a bit disappointed with the end result,” Rowe, who impressed McCarthy with his display, told Ipswich Player HD.

“I didn’t think there was much in the game, it was a bit scrappy, but we had chances that we didn’t take and they took theirs and they won.

"I found out I was playing on Friday when we worked on our shape. I know [manager McCarthy] made a few changes but you’ve just got to be ready any time, it doesn’t matter how many changes are made. I thought we were unlucky with the loss.”

Rowe felt he might have got on the scoresheet himself, going closest when Rotherham keeper Richard O’Donnell made an impressive save from his strike not long before the break and in the second half when he curled a shot just wide.

“I was unlucky with chances, I had about four or five shots,” he continued. “I think I should have done better with one or two of them but I’m hoping the more I play, the more it comes, the more I’ll score and get involved.”

Rowe says it has taken him a little while to get up to speed having joined the club with a groin problem.

“I came with an injury which didn’t help and set me back a few weeks,” he continued.

“It took me a couple of weeks to get into the rhythm, to get up to the pace, training’s at a high intensity, but now I feel strong and sharp. I’m glad to have made my debut but just a bit gutted about the result.”

He added: ”I just need to keep pushing now and hopefully I'll be involved again before the end of the season.”

Meanwhile, Town’s U23s play their final game of the campaign against Coventry City at Portman Road this evening (KO 7pm).

Photo: TWTD

rfretwell added 06:36 - Apr 24 He looks very useful in the highlights and put in several good shots. With more game time and a good pre season hopefully he can take over from Lawtence next season.
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martin587 added 07:31 - Apr 24 He showed some nice touches on Saturday so well worth a chance,and hopefully one for the future.It all depends on what happens during the summer and the comings and goings as stated by MM.🤔
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KiwiBlue2 added 08:17 - Apr 24 Looked sharp on the highlights and encouragingly sounds hungry for more time on the pitch which augurs well for the future......
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Scuzzer added 09:28 - Apr 24 Is he a winger though? Bam Bam thought he did most of his best work through coming inside. As a winger he was pretty ineffectual.
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ClausThomsen added 09:34 - Apr 24 He was told Friday that he was playing? When was everyone else told? Saturday morning?
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midastouch added 09:37 - Apr 24 I would say that he was the pick of the fringe players and Samuel didn't play too bad either. Most of the others didn't really stake a claim but it's a bit harsh to judge them on just one match. But opportunities are limited and competition is fierce at this level and so if you don't take your chances then you don't help your chances. I've been calling for Rowe to be given a chance. I wasn't so sure about some of the others, but I've watched highlights of Rowe (albeit at a much lower level) and I think he could make the step up. I think with a bit of luck he may even prove to become one of our best players. I was all for Mick giving some of the U23s a run out (particularly Rowe and Samuel). I wasn't expecting him to make 9 changes and while it was embarrassing losing to Rotherham, I don't think it's such a disaster as you need to take a look at these players at some stage. However, if I had of travelled to Rotherham and paid good money to watch then I might not be so objective!

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bluesnightorg added 09:52 - Apr 24 Saw him against Palace U23s and he was everywhere. Looking for the ball and doing something with it on the wings and through the middle. Was so confident, so hardworking. Scored a good goal. My greatest hope for ITFC next season is that he plays every week.
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TimmyH added 10:26 - Apr 24 and then to be forgotten about come the start of next season...
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yungblue added 12:09 - Apr 24 A real talent, how he didn't get picked up long before we signed him is a miracle, deemed as the best player in the national league by a mile before he joined us. Very quick, strong, only down side is he is very left foot dependant. With a good pre season should be playing a whole season next year as our left winger, need to sign a similar player on the right side and we could have a threatening front three.

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obj124 added 14:07 - Apr 24 He was the only real shining light in what was a very dull afternoon. He seemed a real threat when coming into a more central position, would be interesting to play him as a striker. Samuel looked lively and could be one we look at picking up. Hopefully mick plays our STRONGEST team in last two matches to give fans at least something to cheer about. For me the team would be: Bialkowski Emmanuel Chambers Smith Kenlock Huws Dozzell Ward Mcgoldrick Sears Rowe From here on in I would not like to see Lawrence playing, as good as he is. We have ruled out the signing of him so he is no longer in our plans and should be left out now with a view for next season.

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Seasider added 18:52 - Apr 24 Rowe reminds me a bit of Ryan Fraser,could be a great asset next season. Hope Mr Evans can sign Huws and Samuel
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runningout added 12:55 - Apr 25 Sorry but there isn't one bright spot at the moment. Mental strength is a must, not how your hair and latest tattoo looks. The best player always look to improve their game
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BlueSwede added 12:29 - Apr 27 There are always bright spots if you look for them instead of focusing on the dark aspects, runningout. Otherwise I agree with everything you say in your post.
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