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Kelly Also a Target - Ipswich Town News

Reports this evening claim that Blackburn's Alan Kelly may also be a target of George Burley. With the bid for Mart Poom (either £4 million or £5.25 million depending on report) turned down the Town boss is reported to be looking elsewhere for a new goalkeeper.

A number of other names are also mentioned as possible goalkeeping targets in the same report, although it seems that the Poom story is the only one which appears to have any substance.

That George Burley appears to be looking for another keeper must be a concern to Andy Marshall, currently out of action with a back injury.

Marshall's absence is likely to give Keith Branagan a chance to steal the position between the sticks at the beginning of the season. Unless George Burley does manage to bring in another keeper this week.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's right-hand man Tord Grip has said that Marcus Stewart is a man who they are keeping in mind. Stewart was left out of the England squad for the Holland game, but his chance may still come.

Grip said: "I saw him score a lot of goals last season and he looks a very good striker. I also went to watch him in Estonia but we need to see him perform against different opposition. We have seen him score in the Premiership but we need to see how he plays at the next level. He has scored a lot of goals in the Premiership but now we will see if he can score against Italians for example. It is important to see how people adapt to different styles and tactics."

Grip is looking forward to watching Stewart in the UEFA Cup: "We have seen most of the players in the England squad play against European opposition and how they can adapt to it and how they play in Europe. Also Ipswich have only played one season in the top flight so it will be better to assess them this year. It is good to see them play and how they compete in the UEFA Cup, that is important. I have been impressed with Ipswich and the way they play."

Jermaine Wright was mentioned by Grip as a possible England player after the Estonian game. European experience could also see him get a call.

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