Youngsters and Trialists Could Get Their Chance - Ipswich Town News

Town manager Roy Keane says he could give one or two more of the club's youngsters and some trialists a run-out during the two-match trip to Ireland over the weekend. Already teenagers Connor Wickham and Jordan Rhodes have impressed the Blues boss.

Keane says he doesn't expect any further additions to his squad before Friday's game at Waterford and Sunday's match at Cork: "It is highly unlikely I will be bringing in any new players by then, although you never know, so it will be young Ipswich players I will be looking at and maybe one or two trialists, so there may be some surprises.”

Reggie Lambe and Jack Ainsley, who signed their first professional deals with the club last week, could be in line to join up with the senior squad, as may new centre-half Troy Brown. Midfielder Ed Upson was hugely impressive in last week's 8-0 reserves win at Gorleston and may also come into the reckoning.

Keane is clearly impressed with the academy youngsters on the fringes of the first team, singling out Connor Wickham, Town's pre-season top scorer on two, and Jordan Rhodes for praise after last night's game at Brentford: "When you look at the age of our scorers, with Connor only 16 and Jordan a teenager as well and Lee only 22, that's encouraging for the future.”

Former Manchester United man Quinton Fortune is amongst a number of players understood to be due for a trial with the Blues during pre-season, while Athletic Bilbao midfielder Iñaki Muñoz was at Town at the end of last season with Spanish reports suggesting he could return for a further spell.

Keane says more current members of the squad could join Danny Haynes in leaving the club as he looks for the right blend before the season starts with the live Sky game at Coventry on August 9th: "It is not just about bringing players to the club, it is about bringing in money for one or two as well.

"I have to make decisions where I know they are good players but I have to let them go.”

Meanwhile, the club say midfielder Alan Quinn missed last night's game at Brentford as he has picked up a minor knock.

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