Striker Darren Bent can only get better, so says Town boss Joe Royle. Bent netted twice for the England U21s on Tuesday as they beat Poland 3-1, taking his total to six goals in eight sub appearances.

Royle says the striker must be scratching his head and asking why he isn't in the first XI: "Darren must be wondering why he is not starting for the U21s with a record like his.

"But Peter Taylor probably sees him as a match-winner from the substitute position.

"Darren still has a lot of improvement in him, but the way he played against Wolverhampton in our last match was his best for some time.

"He is an Ipswich player, and we want to keep him. Now is not the time to think about his value to other clubs."

Town turned down a £3 million bid from Charlton at the end of August, reportedly slapping a £5 million fee on his head.

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