Midfielder Andre Dozzell is hoping to be fit for the start of pre-season as he continues his rehabilitation from the torn cruciate knee ligament he suffered on the opening day of the 2017/18 season.

The 19-year-old had made a bright start to the first game of the campaign against Birmingham before suffering the injury when landing awkwardly just prior to half-time.

“Things are improving all the time,” the England U19 international told the club site.

“I’m outside doing some light ball work now and the plan is to be fit for the first day of pre-season.

“I’ve been itching to get out there from day one really so it was a very good feeling having a ball at my feet.

“We’ve also been doing some stuff on reactions, footwork and different movements, conscious and unconscious, and all of that should help when I get back out on the pitch.

“The physios have been brilliant with me and designed a personal programme which is always helping me move in the right direction.”

Reflecting on the timing of the injury, he added: “If ever there is a time to suffer a bad injury it’s probably right at the start of the season.

“That way you’re not missing part of one season and then part of the next.

"I’ve missed the whole campaign but that means that I’m now set to return for pre-season so you always have to look for the positives. I’m trying to get to where I felt I was in August, even better in fact.”

Once pre-season starts at the end of June, the former Copleston High School pupil will be out to impress the Blues' new manager.

St Mirren’s Jack Ross, who has now gone on holiday having spoken to Town for a second time last week, is vying with Shrewsbury’s Paul Hurst for the role.

Owner Marcus Evans said last month that he anticipated making the appointment in late May or early June with an announcement next week looking increasingly likely.

“There will be a new boss coming in at some point and I’ll be doing everything I can to impress during pre-season,” Dozzell added.

Meanwhile, former Blues midfielder Ed Upson has joined League One Bristol Rovers on a free transfer having left the MK Dons at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old scored Town's winning goal in the final of the 2005 FA Youth Cup while still a schoolboy.

Photo: TWTD

Seasider added 17:50 - May 22 Fingers crossed that Andre will come back fighting fit at the beginning of July
10

gosblue added 18:34 - May 22 some of the best players I have seen in a Town shirt include Colin Viljoen, muhren and Thijssen and Kieron Dyer. This kid could be right up there with them one day. I am so looking forward to next season. COYB
7

Karlosfandangal added 18:40 - May 22 Gosblue Let hope he has as much success with Town as the four you named
7

Wonky added 18:55 - May 22 Good luck Andre.
7

brian_a_mul added 19:23 - May 22 Fingers crossed seasider, also hoping Bish, Huws and Adeyemi can all come back fully fit. It would make a massive difference to have this quality on the pitch
8

rfretwell added 21:53 - May 22 Now this is exciting if all goes according to plan. Andre has that Jack Wilshere ability to split defences with instant passes to set up the strikers.
5

leftie1972 added 21:58 - May 22 Keeping as many as fit as possible would make a massive difference to next season, fingers crossed!
4

carsey added 22:33 - May 22 Hopefully he doesn't have Wilshere's predisposition to injury and rushes of blood.
2

Bergholtblue added 11:20 - May 23 This is good news. Just hope he is ready with Town's recent record of recovering injuries you wouldn't want him to suffer any set backs. He will be a great asset to the team for many years to come (if we can hang on to him) so it is important that everyone concerned is sure he is ready.
3

martin587 added 12:32 - May 23 Will be a massive asset to the team when he's up and running.Has an exceptional talent and has been sorely missed. Cannot wait to see him in action again.Midfield is looking very promising for next season. Let's just get the right Boss installed and I feel very positive for next season.👍
2

Blogs 298 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls