New defender Chris Goteni is set to make his first appearance in a Town shirt when the U23s take on West Brom in the Premier League Cup at St George’s Park this evening (KO 7pm).

The 19-year-old Frenchman’s move from Saint-Apollinaire was completed yesterday once international clearance had been received.

Strike pair Ben Folami and Ben Morris and midfielder Conor McKendry will also be involved for Gerard Nash’s side, who are currently second in their Premier League Cup group having fallen to their first defeat since October on Monday when Sheffield United left Portman Road having won 2-0 in the same competition.

Tonight's game is open to the public with admission £5 for adults and £1 for concessions.

Meanwhile, Stratford striker Ben Stephens, who as reported a week ago, has been invited to spend time training with the Blues, is set to play for Coventry’s U23s against Cardiff today while on trial with the Sky Blues before joining up with Town next week.

Carl Adams, manager of the Evostik South Premier League side, says moving to Coventry would suit the 20-year-old, who has excelled this season having switched to playing up front after previously operating out wide.

“I really believe Coventry would be the ideal place for him because, one, he wouldn’t have to leave home and, two, I think they are very much a club that give youngsters a chance,” Adams told the Coventry Telegraph.

“Technically he is very, very gifted and I think he has a great chance of moving on, whether it’s with Coventry or Ipswich, I am sure someone will come in and take him. He’s one that a lot of people have missed and someone who is going to go on to good things.

“At our level, and I can only judge him at our level, he’s a special player and he’s creating a big name for himself at the moment. And with Coventry just on his doorstep I think it’s wise for them to have a look at him.”

Stephens, who has scored 17 times this season, is with Stratford on a non-contract basis which means he is available on a free transfer, however, Adams is hoping for a pre-season friendly against his new club if and when he moves on.

Photo: ITFC

TractorCam added 13:56 - Jan 25 Good luck to the lad
1

bluesman added 14:15 - Jan 25 More good work from McCarthy and his team
0

Orraman added 15:08 - Jan 25 @tractorboy big In the earlier thread on this story you queried the logic of sending our own players out on loan, then signing Goteni. We send our players out on loan to get first team experience in tough, competitive leagues but we also need cover for our own U23 sguad. Hopefully our players come back better and we may just uncover another diamond.
1

yungblue added 15:20 - Jan 25 This constant flow of young talent is the future of ITFC. With MM leaving in 100 days, with a new approach (Mark Warburton), seeing the talent he brought through at Forest, dare I say net season could bring back some exciting times to Portman Road.
4

Northstandveteran added 18:47 - Jan 25 Sounds like he's settling in and Goteni's feet under the table Sorry 😔
0

kozmik added 20:04 - Jan 25 2-0 down at HT
2

Northstandveteran added 20:13 - Jan 25 Has the new lad forGotenis his shooting boots?
0

Blogs 296 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls