Manager Paul Hurst says striker Jack Lankester earned his senior debut for the club during Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to QPR, the 18-year-old having become the first player born in the 2000s to appear for the first team when he came off the bench in the 66th minute.

“Jack has earned that chance,” Hurst told the club site. “He has always shown something about him in the [U23s] games I have watched and in training.

“He has got a little edge to him and when he went out there on Saturday, he showed some good touches.

“He was breathing heavy but it was a big stage for him to go out on, a big ask for him but he worked hard and showed flashes of what he can do.

“Jack can be proud he has made his debut for the club. At the same time he has to keep his feet on the ground because one game doesn’t mean he’s made it. He needs to keep working hard and hopefully we will see more of him.”

Lankester, who has been at Town since he was seven, recently signed a new contract which runs to the summer of 2020 with the club having an option for a further year.

Photo: TWTD

unknown100 added 13:32 - Oct 22 Great he got his debut but does that mean he's jumped above downed, nydam etc?
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blueherts added 13:32 - Oct 22 This is the ONLY small bit of positive news to come out of , what was , the lowest of the lows Irony is we have some really good young players coming through and looking genuinely decent players . ( especially when up against some of the shower we have in the first XI) I am also at a loss why we seems to have no faith in Kenlock , Rowe and Edun - both of whom deserve to be ahead of the rabble we currently have lining up Well doen to Jack , Flynn , Andre , Ben and I hope we can see afew others - esp with way U23s are playing Stick em all in with Bart - lets be honest we cannot be any worst

3

naa added 13:50 - Oct 22 Striker Lankester earned his first team debut where he was played on the wing. Says it all about Saturday really.
7

Woodbridgian added 13:52 - Oct 22 Thought he looked bright when he came on but why was he on the wing . But then again do any of Hursts decisions make any sense?
4

naa added 13:57 - Oct 22 Woodbridgian: where else would you play him? As a striker?! Ridiculous.
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flyingdutchman added 13:59 - Oct 22 Will b loaned out soon
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NITFC added 14:01 - Oct 22 Very impressive debut. Let's hope he gets more chances to impress. Well done Jack
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Karlosfandangal added 17:28 - Oct 22 We are down.......... So give these young lads ago ...... as they will be the ones who will be bring us back up so give them the experience so next season they are ready.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 18:29 - Oct 22 Looked as if he and Andre had an understanding, but the older players didn't cotton on to their way of thinking.
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Zondervanromeo added 18:41 - Oct 22 That's because our older players are not very good
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speccybaz added 19:13 - Oct 22 What really says it all is the fact that he only had 25 minutes or so and was still named ‘man of the match'! And yes, it did appear that at least Dozzell was on his wave length. That's not that surprising because in the few under-23 games I've seen, unlike the first team, they do appear to know what they're doing.
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BlueBlood90 added 09:31 - Oct 23 He only came on to try and appease the fans and make them think that you actually care about the academy. The same reason why you're playing Dozzell when he couldn't even get on the bench. Clutching at straws and doing anything he can to survive an extra week, every week. Get out.
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