x

Bowditch Starts at Boston - Ipswich Town News

Boss Joe Royle has revealed that striker Dean Bowditch will start at Boston on Saturday. Bowditch scored twice after coming on at half-time in the Blues' first pre-season friendly at Cambridge United on Wednesday.

Royle didn't make the trip to the Abbey Stadium as he is recovering from his recent knee replacement but was impressed when he watched the England U19 international's performance on tape: "I saw Deano's goals on television and he took them very well, then I watched a video of the entire game and he made a good all-round contribution.

"That made up my mind for me that he should start at Boston. He's a nice kid who is eager to do well for the club and we all want him to have a good season. Dean has filled out a bit and is stronger. He's a shade over six feet tall now and he's just turned 19.

"He made his senior debut very early - he came into the side as a 16-year-old - and when that happens it often means that the level of expectation is a little bit high at times. Goals were what was missing from his game last season."

Royle could partner Bowditch with either Sam Parkin or Nicky Forster, or alternatively all three could be given a run-out at York Street.

The Town boss could also give a start to 17-year-old Irish central midfielder Owen Garvan. Royle has indicated that Garvan will be very much in his plans this season and has not been included in the reserves squad travelling to Dereham Town on Monday.

Squad: Bowditch, Collins, Currie, De Vos, Forster, Garvan, Horlock, Juan, Magilton, McDonald, Moore, Naylor, Parkin, Price, Richards, Supple, Westlake, Wilnis.

What to read next:

Ipswich Town v Norwich City - Chatroom Open
Join us in the chatroom to discuss the game as it unfolds with hundreds of other Town fans.
Ipswich Town v Norwich City - Predictions
Have you predicted the Norwich score yet? Seventy four per cent of TWTD members are predicting a Town win this afternoon, 21 per cent a draw and five per cent an away win. The most commonly predicted result is a 2-1 win to Town with Hirst the first scorer but what do you think?
Town Women at Sheffield United Aiming For Second WSL2 Win
Ipswich Town Women will be looking to build on their first ever WSL2 victory over Portsmouth last week when they travel to take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this afternoon (KO 1pm, live on YouTube).
U18s Beaten By Sunderland
Town’s U18s were beaten 5-1 by Sunderland at Playford Road having been reduced to 10 men just after the hour mark in their second U18 Premier League Cup group game this morning.
O'Shea: Norwich's Record Not a True Reflection
Town skipper Dara O’Shea believes Norwich City are a better side than their recent results suggest ahead of the East Anglian derby at Portman Road on Sunday.
South West Branch Meet-Up For Derby
The South West Branch of the Supporters Club is meeting up to watch Sunday’s home derby against Norwich City (KO midday).
Gray's New Zealand Exit U20s World Cup
Blues keeper Henry Gray and his fellow New Zealand youngsters bowed out of the U20 World Cup in Chile overnight following a 3-0 defeat to Japan.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
O'Shea: The History and the Rivalry Mean It's a Derby You Want to Play In
Town captain Dara O’Shea says the Blues understand the significance of this weekend’s East Anglian derby with Norwich City at Portman Road.