x

Town on Tour - Ipswich Town News

The Town squad flew out on Sunday afternoon for their pre-season tour of Holland and Belgium. The Blues play the first of their three matches against Martijn Reuser's old Willem II side this evening (KO 7.30pm local time).

Missing from the tour party is midfielder Owen Garvan, who is recovering from shingles and tendinitis. The Blues are hopeful that the Irishman isn't too far away from a return to action.

Also not making the trip are Alan Lee, who is recovering from his summer abdominal surgery, Gerard Nash who picked up a dead leg in Friday's game at Framlingham, James Krause who has an ankle knock, and Scott Barron, who was injured in the friendly at Boston.

Gavin Williams, who also missed the Galway match with tendinitis, didn't travel yesterday but is expected to join up with the squad later in the week.

Three trialists are with the party, Frenchman Alexis Bertin impressed in the games against Boston and Galway playing in a midfield holding role, while left-back or central defender Indridi Sigurdsson will also be looking to win a deal after being linked with Stoke City earlier this year and then failing to impress on trial at Southampton last week.

Sigurdsson, primarily a left-back considered better going forward than he is at defending, could play in the games if international clearance is received in time. The same is likely to be the case for Finnish U21 international Marko Kolsi.

Former Blue Martijn Reuser, who left Willem II for RKC Waalwilk on a free transfer this summer, will be at tonight's match.

The trip didn't get off to the best of starts with the coach breaking down twice en route to the airport.

After the Willem II match the Blues take on Belgian sides Zulte-Waregem on Wednesday (KO 7pm local time) and FC Brussels on Friday (KO 7.30pm local time).

Squad: Alexis Bertin, Chris Casement, Danny Haynes, Darren Currie, Darryl Knights, Dean Bowditch, Fabian Wilnis, Gavin Williams, Gerard Nash, Ian Westlake, Indridi Sigurdsson, Jaime Peters, Jason De Vos, Lewis Price, Sito, Matt Richards, Michael Synnott, Marko Kolsi, Nicky Forster, Richard Naylor, Sam Parkin, Shane Supple, Vemund Brekke Skard, Billy Clarke.

What to read next:

[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.
Hirst Could Add to Caps
Town striker George Hirst could add to his international caps this evening when Scotland take on Belarus in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary in their second World Cup qualifier this evening (BBC Three, KO 7.45pm).
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Szmodics Out of Irish Squad Due to Injury
Blues forward Sammie Szmodics has pulled out of the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Armenia due to injury.
Town Quintet Win Caps as Ireland Stage Second-Half Comeback
Dara O’Shea and Sammie Szmodics started and Jack Taylor, Chieo Ogbene and Kasey McAteer came off the bench as the Republic of Ireland came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with 10-man Hungary in their opening World Cup qualifier at the Aviva Stadium this evening.
Town Women Defeated By Saints in WSL2 Opener
Ipswich Town Women had a chastening first experience of life in the Barclays WSL2, losing 4-0 to Southampton Women in front of a near-4,000 crowd at St Mary’s Stadium on the south coast.
Five Could Win Ireland Caps
Blues quintet Dara O’Shea, Jack Taylor, Sammie Szmodics, Kasey McAteer and Chieo Ogbene could all add to the international caps when the Republic of Ireland face Hungary in their opening World Cup qualifier against Hungary at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin this evening (Amazon Prime, KO 7.45pm).
Hirst On as Sub to Add to Scotland Caps
Striker George Hirst won his fifth full cap from the bench as Scotland drew 0-0 with Denmark in Copenhagen in their opening World Cup qualifier.