Town boss Joe Royle has praised the Academy's role in helping his side to second in the Championship. On Sunday six of the 12 players used in the game against Coventry City had come through the club's youth system.

Royle says the current crop coming through from Playford Road are as good as any in the country: "I honestly believe we have the best group since United brought through David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers.

"These lads all grew up together, went on to play a major part in winning the treble in 1999 and have had great careers.

"There are more players waiting in the wings at Ipswich. It could be over 12 months away but, nevertheless, they are there and we will see them when they are ready."

While Darren Bent, Matt Richards, Ian Westlake, Lewis Price and Dean Bowditch are now familiar names on the teamsheet, the likes of Scott Barron, Scott Mitchell, Aidan Collins, Antonio Murray and Gerard Nash have all made senior appearances and are close to more involvement.

Central defender Jerrome Sobers and goalkeeper Shane Supple have also appeared on the first team bench without yet taking to the field.

In addition to those players, strikers Billy Clarke and Darryl Knights have made the progression from the Academy sides into the reserves this season at the age of 16.

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