Fit-again midfielder Lee Bowyer admits it has been frustrating having to make do with a place on the bench since recovering from a groin injury.

The vastly experienced Bowyer, signed on a free transfer from Birmingham in the close season, last started a Championship game on January 2 when he was crocked just 42 minutes into Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 win at Portman Road.

Since being given the all-clear to return to action he has clocked up three substitute appearances, taking his Town tally of first team outings to 24, from which he has scored twice.

Bowyer, 35, said: “I’m a professional and I love to play football. But I know the way it works. If the team are doing well there is nothing I can do but watch and admire what they are doing.

“There is no ‘i’ in team. I just have to sit there, be patient and wait for my chance. Then, if I do come off the bench, I’ve got to do my best to impress and earn a chance to start that way.”

Former England international Bowyer dismissed the notion that he might be the type of player to sulk or go knocking on the manager’s door when he found himself out of the starting line-up.

He went on: “I’ve never done that. I’ve always known that whoever is doing well stays in the team. You don’t change a winning team — okay, maybe for tactical reasons sometimes — but there have been times when I have played and others have not been happy.

“That’s football — that’s just the way it is. I’ve never reacted in that way and I never will. It’s a squad game and you’re going to pick up injuries and suspensions. It’s inevitable and people who are not playing will get back in.

“Look at Michael Chopra. He went for a long time when he wasn’t starting. But look at him now — he’s in and he can hardly stop scoring.”

Bowyer agrees Ipswich have acquired a greater mental strength during their current run of just one defeat in nine outings.

He added: “That has been the case, especially in the last few games. Earlier on in the season we would probably have lost or maybe drawn the games we have won, whether we have come from behind or whether the other team has equalised, like Peterborough did a couple of times on Saturday.

“We’re showing a different side to our character now and we’re definitely moving in the right direction.”

Photo: Action Images

Wallingford_Boy added 14:33 - Mar 20 Should be in the side IMO and probably will be tomorrow night with Drury looking out of sorts for the last couple of games.
0

jas0999 added 14:36 - Mar 20 I wouldn't bother even having Bowyer on the bench. On the whole a poor signing who is NOT the future of ITFC. Younger players are the way forward.
0

cwb91 added 14:40 - Mar 20 I find his inability to pass the ball to a member of the same team remarkable, considering he has spent virtually all of his career in the PL. Not for me
0

Paddy39 added 14:41 - Mar 20 Hi Jas, Sorry mate but Bowyer is a midfield player we need. Breaks up opposing attacking play and can keep his foot on the ball. I notice you are always moan about the team. Do you ever have anything good to say about the team?
0

Reus30 added 14:47 - Mar 20 Jas - so its a bad idea having an experienced international helping the likes of hyam progress in their career? Even if its only for one or two season, it is worth having Lee around
0

AlanMahon2011 added 14:49 - Mar 20 Too old and an extremely dirty tackler. Get Rid
0

Wallingford_Boy added 14:58 - Mar 20 Dirty tackler? Have you seen him play this season?
0

SamWhiteUK added 15:00 - Mar 20 AlanMahon2011, you do make me laugh. Sometimes I wonder if you have ever actually been to a game and seen the team play.
0

tractorboy2434 added 15:45 - Mar 20 There is no way he should get another contract given the injuries and the money he must be on, an okay stop gap from the bench until the end of the season but then it should be goodbye.
0

bluelady added 15:54 - Mar 20 A quality player who brings welcome experience to the team. i would love to see him stay for a further year on a low contract or even pay per game basis, for me still has lots to offer. Last couple of games has been excellent of the bench and for me helped us win saturday with his cool head and excellent pass to Creswell. Jas if Keane signed him we all know you would be moaning as to why he is on the bench and not playing, you are just sooooo predictable!

0

Surco72 added 16:05 - Mar 20 Has made the difference when coming on in the last 3 games ,deserves a start .Drury has looked tired in all 3 games also and may need the rest . I would offer him another year also as a commited winner and adds unpriceable experience to the likes of Drury,Leadbitter and Hyam on a daily basis
0

Garv added 16:07 - Mar 20 The only thing that would stop me extending his deal is his injury record this season. Other than that he has been relatively useful and scored a couple of important goals.
0

beerhelps added 17:10 - Mar 20 Bowyer is bound to bring 'baggage' to any dressing room with his past. The team has improved (in performance and results) since his injury, Hyam for me - spend his wages on the future!
0

buryblue77 added 17:15 - Mar 20 Dirty tackler and gives the ball away.........Right! Ok people, have you ever seen him play? He's one of our midfielders who has a real quality on the ball and has got the ability to pass, some people on here may want to watch a game of football before making pre-conceived judgements. I actually think he has played well during his time here and I've always seen him as your 7/10 man, consistentcy and good rather than excellent one week and complete garbage the next.

0

bluelady added 17:43 - Mar 20 buryblue spot on! i think there are the odd few on here that voice an oppinion from absolutely no knowledge at all - ah Bowyer yeah dont like him gonna say he is CRA*. He was Birminghams player of the year in the Premiership last year, and yes they came did come down but to me that shows the guy still has quality. some people just like to be antanognistic, best to ignore or you help to inflate their egos. I am all for freedom of speach, everyon has a right to an opinion, its just some have an opinion based on how much attention it will bring to themselves!

0

buryblue77 added 18:25 - Mar 20 Exactly bluelady, I've always said people are entitled to their opinions but some opinions but some of them just don't add up. You could almost imagine some people on here trying to argue that the earth is flat.
0

Urchin added 19:05 - Mar 20 When at the matches I sometimes pick a player and watch them closely whilst they are on the pitch On Saturday when he came on I put Bowyer in my "spotlight" and watched him closely even when he wasnt on the ball. Ignoring his passing,which was excellent, his positioning play and awareness of what was going on around him was really impressive. He may be one of the old Boys but IMO he still has a massive contribution to make to the team. I would certainly start him tomorrow in place of Drury who I think needs a game off - starting to look a little tired

0

Ely_Blue added 19:09 - Mar 20 Cwb91, I guess you didn't catch cresswells goal on Saturday? Have another look and see who picked out the pass, also it was bowyers pass into a danger area that won the corner for the second goal also
0

alfromcol added 20:12 - Mar 20 Great when he came on Saturday and will start on Wednesday and score the first goal.
0

dav86 added 20:29 - Mar 20 on a personal note i know for a fact that lee bowyer is one off the hardest trainers this club has and when ever he is asked to play he will give 100% every time. we need more players off the same mould as bowyer if this club is going to progress.
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls