Irish youngster Owen Garvan will go on the pre-season tour to Hungary later this month. As reported by TWTD last week, the 17-year-old will be considered a first team squad member this season.

Boss Joe Royle says Garvan is one of two players he sees as a potential replacement for Jim Magilton should the skipper leave: "Darren Currie came inside and did well for us last season and he could so the job, but I also believe young Owen Garvan could be up to the task.

"Garvan is one of the young lads we want to push on next season and I have already told him he will be coming on the pre-season tour to Hungary, as well as featuring in some other warm-up games."

Garvan was the midfield inspiration behind Town's FA Youth Cup win over Southampton but missed the second leg of the final with a virus which saw him spend time in hospital.

The Dubliner joined the Blues from Irish club Cherry Orchard and will be going into the second year of his academy scholarship this season.

Garvan, an Irish international at U17 and a number of other levels, made the first team squad twice last season, for the home match against Brighton in November and the away game at QPR in December.

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