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Hurst: Lankester Earned Debut - Ipswich Town News

Manager Paul Hurst says striker Jack Lankester earned his senior debut for the club during Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to QPR, the 18-year-old having become the first player born in the 2000s to appear for the first team when he came off the bench in the 66th minute.

"Jack has earned that chance,” Hurst told the club site. "He has always shown something about him in the [U23s] games I have watched and in training.

"He has got a little edge to him and when he went out there on Saturday, he showed some good touches.

"He was breathing heavy but it was a big stage for him to go out on, a big ask for him but he worked hard and showed flashes of what he can do.

"Jack can be proud he has made his debut for the club. At the same time he has to keep his feet on the ground because one game doesn’t mean he’s made it. He needs to keep working hard and hopefully we will see more of him.”

Lankester, who has been at Town since he was seven, recently signed a new contract which runs to the summer of 2020 with the club having an option for a further year.

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