Russell Osman faces an East Anglian derby in his first game in charge of the U18s when the youngsters take on Norwich City at Playford Road on Saturday morning (KO 11am).

Former central defender Osman took charge of the academy’s senior side this week, taking on the position vacated by Mike Pejic earlier in the season.

Osman is delighted to be back at Portman Road 26 years after moving on during his playing days: “I’m enjoying being at a training ground having missed the banter, the giggles and the laughs.

“Some of the lads will have to be picked up and it will not always be easy but we have some talented youngsters here to work with.”

Town, who are still without injured pair Caolan Lavery and Nicolay Schrøder, will be looking to prevent the Canaries achieving a league double, the Norfolk side having won 1-0 on home soil in September. Norwich also won a friendly between the teams 2-1 in January.

Meanwhile, the reserve game against Watford scheduled for March 2nd has been postponed because the Hornets are in Youth Cup action that week. No new date has yet been set.

U18s: Cropper, Bennett, Whight, Jones, Meekings, McKeown, Winter, Scotcher, Burke, Carson, Tiofack, Maduako, O’Donnell, Acott, Lawrence, Simmons.

Photo: ITFC

Photo: Action Images

DiamondGezzer added 15:33 - Feb 18 Previous results don't seem to count at the moment, with the general lift around the club. Russell, lead them boys to victory !
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GeorgiDoundarov added 18:18 - Feb 18 It is always great to see some of our legends from the more successful times coming back to work for our club! Welcome back Russell!!!
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GeorgiDoundarov added 18:18 - Feb 18 It is always great to see some of our legends from the more successful times coming back to work for our club! Welcome back Russell!!!
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dirtydingusmagee added 18:28 - Feb 18 good luck Russell, go get em boys !
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fourth added 21:07 - Feb 18 Russell Osman has something to give (small understatement) Given time this could be good
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Dale added 02:50 - Feb 19 Just say We can win this at half time and you'll do fine Russel.
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BLUEBEAT added 08:52 - Feb 19 KILL THEM. KILL THEM ALL.
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Ipswich24 added 09:13 - Feb 19 Get Wickham to play it kicks off at 11:00 he can then play for 1st team after!!!!
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howdonblue added 09:43 - Feb 19 love having town legends at the club................. i know i keep saying it but i think its got to give everyone at the club a lift with these heroes about the place. good luck russ. wish we had someone of your class playing now ... stuff the canaries
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