Youngsters to Get Their Chance Against Coventry? - Ipswich Town News

Boss Roy Keane says he may field some of the younger members of his squad when the Blues face Coventry at Portman Road on Sunday in the season's final game (KO 1.15pm). Connor Wickham and Dean Bowditch could come into their new manager's thoughts after scoring twice in the reserves on Tuesday.

The duo netted a brace each in a 5-0 win at Leyton Orient, which was watched by Keane and his assistant Tony Loughlan. Irish U19 international Ronan Murray scored the other goal.

Wickham, 16, is set to join the academy full-time in the summer, while Bowditch's one-year deal comes to an end.

Keane said: "Things have been taking more shape this week and there might be one or two of the younger players given a chance against Coventry.”

Already the new Town boss has handed Jaime Peters and Matt Richards their first starts in two years, although his hand was to some extent forced by injuries to most of the other full-backs at the club.

The new manager's scope for assessing many of the club's youngsters is limited with several of them currently out on loan or injured.

Billy Clarke is with League Two champions Brentford, Liam Trotter with Scunthorpe, Jai Reason with Cambridge and Kurt Robinson at Rushden and Diamonds.

Jordan Rhodes returned from his spell at Brentford with a broken metatarsal, which has put him out for the season, while Shane Supple's time at Oldham was ended by a knee injury which will sideline him until pre-season.

Tommy Smith played for the reserves at Brisbane Road but was making only his third appearance after breaking his ankle in August.

Defender Chris Casement is amongst those available for selection, his time at Wycombe having come to an end earlier in the month, while Jack Ainsley and Reggie Lambe have been offered professional deals by Town, but would appear to be outsiders for first team inclusion this season.

Casement is one of the 13 players out of contract along with Matt Richards, Alex Bruce, Shane Supple, Iván Campo, Dan Harding, Dean Bowditch, Liam Trotter, Kurt Robinson, Billy Clarke, Tommy Miller, Jai Reason and Ed Upson.

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