x

Royle Praise for Strikers - Ipswich Town News

Town boss Joe Royle had praise for strikers Pablo Couñago and Darren Bent after the pair scored the goals which took the Blues to the top of the table.

Royle said he was pleased to get a win out of a tough game: "I am delighted with three points. We were the better side but Millwall defended well. Their two centre-halves were resolute and they proved hard to break down.

"We needed a bit of inspiration and Pablo Couñago came off the bench to provide that for us.

"It looks as though his season has started because he made one and scored the other. Pablo is available on a free transfer but if he plays like this he can be a potent force for us.

"I thought that if we got the ball to his feet he might cause problems for Millwall, but I hardly expected him to provide an old-fashioned flick-on for our first goal.

"I have probably ignored him at times when he thinks he should have played. If he plays like this then I cannot ignore him and I hope he picks up his game from here."

Royle says that Bent is at the top of his game: "He cannot stop scoring and is having a great time.

"Recent Premiership interest has been a great boost to his confidence. He is electric at the moment and is learning the game at the same time and not just running about."

The Town boss is pleased to have got the win but isn't getting carried away: "Ray Wilkins watched us against Wolves so I expected he'd be cooking up something to hold us. Last season this was a match we could easily have lost.

"Of course I am happy to be top of the table but we've got to translate our home form into a very tricky game at Stoke on Tuesday."

What to read next:

Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Released Forward Roberts Joins Stevenage
Released Blues U21s forward Matty Roberts has joined League One Stevenage following a trial.
Young Close to Completing Town Move
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is close to completing a move to the Blues on a one-year deal.
Former Town Youth Coach Owen Dies
Former Town youth coach Brian Owen has died, aged 80.
Emmanuel-Thomas Joins AFC Totton
Ex-Town forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has joined National League South AFC Totton following his release from prison on parole.
Young Watches Son as U21s Beat Needham
Former England star and apparent Town target Ashley Young watched his son Tyler feature as a trialist for Town's U21s on Tuesday evening as they beat 10-man Needham Market 2-1 at Bloomfields in a pre-season friendly.
Young Watching Town U21s at Needham
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is watching Town’s U21s in friendly action at Needham Market with his son Tyler on trial with John McGreal’s squad.