Young striker Dean Bowditch has signed a three-year professional contract with the Blues. Last month TWTD reported that Bowditch, 17 in mid-June, was set to sign senior terms with Town.

Bowditch told the club site he is delighted to remain at the club: "I have been here since I was 10 and it's a great club to grow up with.

"The coaching staff at Ipswich are first class and as a young player coming through the ranks at the academy, they look after you on and off the pitch.

"Now I can't wait to join up with the rest of the lads in training. I was given my chance quicker than I expected last season but having had a taste of first-team football, I really want to push on now."

Bowditch, along with Darren Bent, joins up with the squad at the end of the week. The pair have been given an extended break after England action earlier in the summer.

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