Groundman Alan Ferguson says his Portman Road pitch will be fine for Saturday, despite Monday's FA Youth Cup match having been abandoned after 88 minutes due to torrential rain. The award-winning turfsman was unhappy that Monday's game continued for as long as it did.

Ferguson said: "It was one of the worst conditions I have seen a game played in. We had a month's rain fall in 24 hours with 21 millimetres, which is almost an inch.

"Two seasons ago I would not have had a pitch left to work on, but it did not cut up at all.”

However, the former Glasgow Rangers groundsman says there aren't too many signs of Monday's match: "There is some frost in the top surface, but you would not know a match had been played on it this week. We intend to put up the protecting tent tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, striker Jordan Rhodes says he is enjoying his time on loan at Brentford where he has scored five goals in six games: "Playing for Brentford at the top of the league is much better for me than playing reserve football at Ipswich, and I am grateful for Mr Magilton to allow me to go on loan.

"I am buzzing at the moment, but my priority remains with Ipswich Town and to win a first team place at Portman Road.”

Photo: Action Images

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