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Downes: Gerrard is My Role Model
Monday, 21st Aug 2017 17:32

Town teenager Flynn Downes, who has broken into the senior squad in a big way this season, admits his inspiration to succeed has come from studying former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard.

Downes, 18 and set to clock up his fifth first team appearance in tomorrow’s Caribao Cup second round tie at Crystal Palace, said: “Gerrard was the main one I looked at. He was unbelievable and he’s the player I want to be — box to box, scores goals, gets back in and helps the team out. He’s my role model really.”

Asked to describe himself as a player, Downes added: “I like to do everything really. I like to put my tackles in and I like to get forward so I would say I am a box-to-box midfielder. The one thing I’m trying to add to my game is goals.”

But although he is a new face in manager Mick McCarthy’s squad the youngster has been part of the club’s academy set-up since first being spotted at the age of seven, an experience he will never forget.

“It has been an unbelievable experience,” he recalled. “It all started when I was playing for my local team, Ongar, and I remember there was an Ipswich scout watching us. I got injured in the game, which we lost, and I walked off crying.

“The scout came over and gave me his card. At the time I didn’t believe it but after that I came to the club, had a trial and it has kicked on from there.”


Gerrard in action for England in the 3-1 victory over Croatia at Portman Road in August 2003

His big breakthrough came earlier this month when fellow 18-year-old Andre Dozzell went down injured just before half-time in the opening-day win over Birmingham City and McCarthy decided Downes would come off the bench as his replacement.

Downes added: “The gaffer said ‘Go and get warm, do a few sprints’ and I was a bit nervous. It was really unfortunate for Doz but it was unbelievable to get on. I was really nervous — I’m not going to lie — and when I was doing my warm-up my heart was going, everything. It was crazy.

“To get on felt a bit mad but the gaffer told me I was good enough to be on there. He told me to believe in my ability and show what I could do. I had a few touches before half-time and it’s always good to do that early. It helps to get the confidence up and to settle into the game. All the family were there, loving it.

“The gaffer has been great with me. He has given me my chance and I couldn’t ask for anything more. He trusts my ability and he is giving me a great opportunity, not just to play football but in a league as good as the Championship.

“It was really horrible for Andre that day. He picked up a serious injury and will be out for the season. I just hope he makes as speedy a recovery as he can. He’s got to stay positive, hasn’t he? Get in the gym and work hard, and hopefully he’ll be back as good as new.”


Photos: TWTD/Action Images



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Mark added 17:42 - Aug 21
Downes has really impressed. It's worth tying him down to a new long-term contract I think as I believe he is on a one year deal with a one year option?
2

Ipswichbusiness added 18:00 - Aug 21
I would rather that he had named someone like John Wark, but that's probably a generational thing.
1

TLA added 18:16 - Aug 21
Ipswichbusiness - he has to be realistic- he might reach the heights of Gerrard but never Wark!
6

NoCanariesAllowed added 18:18 - Aug 21
@Ipswichbusiness - Almost certainly generational... one has to remember that Downes was born two years after Wark retired!!
4

clbalaam added 19:00 - Aug 21
@mark He signed a new deal like a month after being given his 1st professional contract (the one you have said) that keeps him here until 2020.
1

Mark added 19:09 - Aug 21
clbalaam - Thanks for clarifying, missed that. Good news to have him secured for three years.
2

coolcat added 19:23 - Aug 21
It's been a pleasure watching him play. Such a great attitude as well. Looking forward to seeing him play more often in the first team. A real talent to watch.
2

christiand added 21:06 - Aug 21
A box to box midfielder we have lacked for some time. If he starts to add goals to his performances we've got a real player on our hands.
1

jpring89 added 22:08 - Aug 21
If Downes is anything close to Gerrard we really do have an absolute gem on our hands just hope he doesnt get injury prone like the rest of our squad. The early signs are promising !!!
3

Cloddyseedbed added 07:51 - Aug 22
Just hope Flynn realises you haven't made it and your not a star just because you have a few good games, the crowd are chanting your name and you get armfulls of tattoo's! Keep your head down mate, work hard and a long playing career maybe ahead of you. Keep your feet on the ground unless your going up stairs or going for a header.
1

runningout added 11:32 - Aug 22
always aim high, then higher I say
1

bluehook added 12:37 - Aug 22
Let's hope he doesn't start fights in nightclubs like his idol did - allegedly.
0


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