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Blues International - Ipswich Town News

Three of Town's starlets could make their international debuts this weekend as England, Wales and Ireland take on the might of Belgium, Switzerland and Macedonia respectively. Reports suggest that Richard Wright is playing like a man possessed in training with former Ipswich collegue Kieron Dyer quoted as saying "Richard has really been flying in training. I've seen him in tremendous form before games several times with Ipswich and England, but this is the best I've seen him. He's really been opening everyone's eyes in training and my bet is that he will win his first cap on Sunday.

Richard has proved himself at Under-21 level on many occasions. I think the time is right for him to taste full England action."

England skipper Alan Shearer is also said to be impressed with Wright, the man of whom he once said "that 'keeper will never play like that again" shortly after Town had beaten his championship winning Blackburn side.

If he does play Wright, who earlier this week pledged his future to Town (no contract signing though), will be the first Town player to play for England since Terry Butcher.

As well as Wright David Johnson is likely to be on the bench for Wales, although it is likely they will use him at some point in order to tie him to playing international football for them for the rest of his career.

Matt Holland has said that the Irish management team have indicated that he will start on the bench in Skopje against the Macedonians. It had been speculated that with Roy Keane and Lee Carsley injured Holland might start the game, however Portsmouth's Alan McLoughlin is now expected to start.

Town bad bay Gary Croft has resumed training with the squad. The mulitple driving offence charged full-back is due to appear in court on November 12th. George Burley has hinted that Croft may play for Town between now and his court appearance.

Elsewhere Ian Atkins has left Northampton Town. The former Town skipper and Psycho had been there since 1995. Former Town striker Kevin Wilson moves from coach to manager in the short term.

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