Striker Connor Wickham says he’s desperate to score his first goal of the season having failed to find the net for the Blues in what so far has been an injury-hit 2010/11. The 17-year-old, who has also reiterated his commitment to the Blues, will have an opportunity to open his account in an England U21 shirt when he makes his debut for Stuart Pearce’s side in Germany later this afternoon (live on ESPN and the FA website, 5pm).
Wickham, who has had spells out with injuries to each of his ankles, told the club site: "I'm desperate to score, to be honest. I got a few last season and when I go out onto the pitch, I want to score goals. I want to play games. I want to score goals.
"I've had a few chances this season but it's not worked out for me but I think once I get up and running the goals will come. I'm confident of that."
Despite continuing reports linking him with all the bigger Premier League sides — Manchester City were mentioned by a newspaper earlier in the week — the Hereford-born frontman says he’s happy with the Blues: "All I’m interested in is Ipswich Town and playing football for this club. I’m not worried about what is going on around me.
"I’m at the right club to develop and look after me on the pitch. I’ve got the right family around me to look after me off the pitch. All I’m concerned with is helping Ipswich Town do well this season.”
Meanwhile, David Paul, nephew of former chairmen John and Patrick Cobbold, says his uncles would be dismayed by the current state of Town: "In their day, the club was a happier place all-round. The community spirit was stronger, and I’m not saying this to defend or even promote my family.
"I’m saying this because I think that the ethos of the club has changed completely. They need to be seen to be talking to fans.
"[Marcus Evans] needs to stand up and be counted, and engage with fans," he continued. "I am sure that both my uncles would turn in their graves now, at the way the club is being run.”
Elsewhere, Norwich striker Grant Holt's sending off in Saturday's 3-3 draw with Reading has been overturned, meaning he will be available for the East Anglian derby against the Blues a week on Sunday.