Joe's Hopes for Darren - Ipswich Town News

Town manager Joe Royle says he hopes to have Darren Bent back in his side before the end of the season. The striker picked up a slight tear to a hamstring in the 3-1 win at Gillingham.

Royle says that although it isn't a serious problem the club will not be risking the 19-year-old. He told the club site: "Darren has got a tear in his hamstring. It's not a bad injury and he can run at three-quarter pace without pain but we can't afford to take the risk of him making it worse.

"He will have to kick his heels for another week or two and then hopefully it will have healed over and we will look to get him back towards a return to first-team action."

What to read next:

Muric 'Closing in On Turkish Move'
Town keeper Aro Muric is closing in on a move to Çaykur Rizespor, according to various reports in Turkey.

[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.

McKenna: Barbrook a Big Positive, Trio of Youngsters to Be Assessed Over the Next Month
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says 20-year-old midfielder Fin Barbrook has been a been a “big positive” of pre-season and that decisions will be made on where he and fellow youngsters Cameron Humphreys and Elkan Baggott will spend their campaigns over the course of the next month.

Women Defeated By Wolves in Friendly
Ipswich Town Women kicked off their pre-season campaign against FAWNL Northern Premier Division club Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Martello Ground, Felixstowe this afternoon, but fell to a 4-1 defeat at their former home ground.

Town Women Sign Midfielder Baigent
Ipswich Town Women have signed defensive midfielder Sophie Baigent on a permanent deal from Hashtag United.

Neom Linked With New Cajuste Approach
Saudi Arabian club Neom are reported to have made a renewed move for Blues target Jens Cajuste.

Former Blues Defender Smith Joins Braintree
Former Blues centre-half Tommy Smith has joined National League Braintree Town.

Town Women Host Wolves in Friendly
Ipswich Town Women play their first public friendly of pre-season against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Martello Ground in Felixstowe this afternoon (KO 2pm).

Azón 'Wants Future Settled This Week'
Blues loan target Ivan Azón hopes to settle his future this week with Valencia still his preferred destination, it is being reported in Spain.

McKenna: A Tough Game, an Increase in Challenge
Manager Kieran McKenna felt today’s 3-0 victory away against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre was a tough game and an increase in challenge in the final fixture of pre-season and has been pleased with the way preparations for the campaign ahead have gone over the last few weeks.