x

Baggott Starts, Burgess on Bench at Asian Cup - Ipswich Town News

Elkan Baggott starts and Cameron Burgess is on the bench as Indonesia face Australia in the round of 16 at the AFC Asian Cup at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar this morning (KO 11.30am).

Burgess’s Australia topped their group, while Baggott’s Indonesia progressed as one of the best third-placed sides.

Speaking on Friday, manager Kieran McKenna said his assistant Martyn Pert had been in contact with the pair while they’ve been at the tournament.

"Martyn has spoken to them quite a bit,” McKenna said. "I haven't touched base in the last week or two so I probably will do before Sunday and not pledge loyalties either way, but just to wish them both the best of luck.

"If they end up competing at a set play, don't smack heads and stay fit! But it's really nice for them to come up against each other and we'll be wishing them both the best of luck.”

Prior to leaving for the tournament, Burgess revealed the pair had worked out that they could meet at some stage.

"We did have a look at it and I think there is a chance that we could end up facing each other,” he said.

"Obviously, with it being a tournament, you don’t know how things are going to go with the draw and stuff like that, but it could happen.

"That would be an interesting one for both of us and I’m hoping that Elkan and his team can have a good tournament as well. It’s something we are both looking forward to.”

Burgess, who has five international caps, started Australia’s victory over Syria but was an unused substitute in their other two group matches.

Baggott, meanwhile, started the Indonesians’ opening match against Iraq and featured off the bench against Japan. He will win his 24th cap during today’s game.

What to read next:

De Zerbi: Sarmiento Was Important For Ipswich
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi says he has kept a close eye on Jeremy Sarmiento during his loan spell with the Blues.
U18s Beaten in Final Game
Town’s U18s were defeated 3-1 by Peterborough United at London Road in their final Professional Development League Two South match of the season this afternoon.
Goodman: I've Been Nothing But Complimentary About Ipswich
Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has defended himself following Blues defender Luke Woolfenden’s claim the former Wolves striker would have been disappointed by Town’s promotion to the Premier League.
U18s End Season at Peterborough
Town’s U18s complete their Professional Development League Two South fixtures when they take on Peterborough United at London Road on Saturday afternoon (KO 1.30pm).
Hutchinson Nominated for Goal of the Month
Loanee forward Omari Hutchinson has been nominated for the Sky Bet Championship Goal of the Month award for April for his first goal against Hull City last month.
Sky Bet Renew Loyal Fan Nina's Season Ticket
Nina Battle, the wife of Gary Battle, who recently lost his battle against a brain tumour, has had her 2024/25 season ticket renewed by Sky Bet.
Magilton: I Saw Greatness in McKenna
Blues legend Jim Magilton is a great admirer of current Town boss Kieran McKenna and says he saw “greatness” in him long before his time at Portman Road.
McKenna: One of the Best People I've Met in Football
Blues boss Kieran McKenna paid tribute to retiring forward Sone Aluko at Monday night’s End-of-Season Dinner.
Life's a Pitch TV - Episode 40 - Jim Magilton
This week’s Life’s a Pitch TV with star guest Jim Magilton is now available on YouTube.
Town Players Party With Sheeran
Town’s players continued their promotion celebrations last night when they met up with club sponsor Ed Sheeran.