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:

Nsofor Joins Needham On Loan
Academy forward Jackson Nsofor has joined Southern League Premier Division Central Needham Market on a work experience loan.
South West Branch Meet-Up For Sheffield United Match
The South West Branch of the Supporters Club is meeting up to watch Friday’s home game against Sheffield United (KO 8pm).
International Round-Up
The first international break of the season has concluded with Town seeing six first-team players, plus two more who out on loan, represent their countries. Here is a round-up of how they fared.
Quartet Win Caps as Ireland Defeated, Walle Egeli Scores For Norway U21s
Dara O’Shea, Jack Taylor and Chieo Ogbene started and Kasey McAteer came off the bench as the Republic of Ireland were beaten 2-1 by Armenia in a World Cup qualifier in Yerevan, while new signing Sindre Walle Egeli scored for Norway’s U21s.
Deadline For Wark Book Pre-Orders Friday as Town Legend to Appear at Ipswich Book Festival Event
The deadline for pre-orders of the new John Wark book He’s Here, He’s There is Friday, while the Blues legend and author Neil Prentice will be appearing at an Ipswich Book Festival event on Saturday 4th October.
Town Confirm 25-Man Squad
Town have confirmed their 25-man Championship squad.
Quartet Set For Irish Caps
Blues quartet Dara O’Shea, Jack Taylor, Kasey McAteer and Chieo Ogbene could all add to their caps when the Republic of Ireland face Armenia in their second World Cup qualifying group game in Yerevan this evening (Amazon Prime, KO 5pm).
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
New Book Reveals Untold Stories From Ramsey's Time at Town
A new book uses previously untold stories about legendary Blues and England manager Sir Alf Ramsey’s time at Town, to argue that Ramsey was even more of a hero than had been previously recognised.
Young: I've Still Got a Lot to Give On and Off the Pitch
Town full-back Ashley Young believes he still has plenty to offer on and off the pitch following his free transfer to Portman Road over the summer.