Pullen in Reserves Side - Ipswich Town News

James Pullen will start in goal for the reserves tonight as they face Derby at Portman Road (KO 7pm). The keeper made a disappointing league debut for the Blues against Grimsby on Saturday.

Pullen's appearance in the reserves could mean either of two things: That Joe Royle has decided to start with Andy Marshall at Norwich on Sunday, or that he wants Pullen to get a confidence boosting 90 minutes under his belt ahead of the trip to Carrow Road.

Royle will also have a chance to watch Martijn Reuser, Matt Richards, Richard Naylor and Alun Armstrong tonight ahead of Sunday's crucial game.

Also included in the starting line-up are striker Dean Bowditch and midfielder Antonio Murray. Both youngsters have been training with the first team and last week Joe Royle indicated that the pair could be part of his first team plans as soon as the beginning of next season.

Town: James Pullen, Matt Bloomfield, Matt Richards, Lee Chaffey, Richard Naylor, Chris Hogg, Antonio Murray, Ian Westlake, Alun Armstrong, Dean Bowditch and Martijn Reuser. Subs: Sam Morrow, Scott Peat, Scott Mitchell, Matt Robinson and Erkan Okay.

What to read next:

U21s Defeated By Luton
A strong Blues U21s side was beaten 2-1 by Luton Town at Bent Lane in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon with Tommy Taylor's first-half strike cancelled out after the break by a much-improved Hatters side.

U19s Draw and Lose Final Games at Czech Tournament
Town’s U19s finished lost one and drew one of today’s place play-off matches at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia.

Hirst: Early Confrontation Sign of Morsy's High Standards
George Hirst has revealed he almost came to blows with departed captain Sam Morsy early in his Town career, but believes the incident was illustrative of the high standards maintained by the former Blues skipper.

Former Town Defender Ndaba Set For Serie A
Former Town defender Corrie Ndaba is set to join Serie A Lecce from Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock, according to reports in Italy.

McKenna: New Coach Stanislas Comes Highly Recommended
Town manager Kieran McKenna has spoken about the additions of new first-team coach Junior Stanislas and set-piece analyst Michele Aragona.

McKenna: Young Will Bring Experience, Competitiveness and Edge
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says new signing Ashley Young can give the club different things in different areas, among them his experience, competitiveness and his edge.

Hirst: I Thought We Played Really Well, But Aberdeen Gave Us a Massive Challenge
Town striker George Hirst was pleased to add to his pre-season goals tally during the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

McKenna: Philogene Very Good Tonight, His Off the Ball Work Was Outstanding
Town manager Kieran McKenna was delighted with Jaden Philogene’s performance in the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

McKenna: We Got What We Wanted From the Game
Town boss Kieran McKenna said he got what he wanted from the 3-1 friendly win at Aberdeen and believes his side is in general on the right track.

McKenna: Nothing in the Air Regarding Omari's Situation
Town boss Kieran McKenna says there’s “nothing in the air” regarding Omari Hutchinson’s future with the forward having remained behind in Suffolk to train while the Blues were in Aberdeen for this evening’s 3-1 friendly victory.