Town striker David Johnson has reacted calmly to the news that he will start Saturday's game at Leeds from the bench. The £1.1 millon signing said: "I was poor last Saturday. I was really disappointed at my performance, so in the back of my mind I thought it might happen. I'm disappointed I have not scored in the opening few games but I'm more than pleased with the way I have handled being in the Premiership and I feel I started in good form but it is that first goal which I need."

Johnson added that he will be looking to score when coming from the bench should he be required tomorrow and that he will push Marcus Stewart and James Scowcroft for their starting places.

Jamie Clapham has said that new boy Amir Karic will have to fight if he wants his place. Town's current left wing back said: "It is good to have another player in the squad. The most important thing is Ipswich Town staying in the Premiership. Obviously everyone wants to be in the team and playing and as far as I'm concerned I'm playing in the team at the moment and no matter where he has come from, he has to push me out of the team rather than the other way round."

Town's Academy sides both travel this Saturday. Paul Goddard's U19s are off to Southampton while Ian Smith's U17s are off to West Ham. Members of the Academy will soon be action for their national sides with Darren Kelly in the Irish squad for the game against England at Walsall on September 22nd. Darren Bent is in the English squad for the same match. Fraser Duncan has been training with the Scottish youths.

Meanwhile the club have cancelled all training for 9 - 16-year-olds at the weekend due to the petrol crisis.

Photo: Action Images

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