Portman Road could be one of the grounds hosting football matches during the 2012 Olympics in London. The club were approached by the National Olympic Committee in 2002 regarding possible use of the stadium.

Chief executive Derek Bowden told the official site that the club is very keen to be involved: "That's certainly still the case, both for games and providing training facilities.

"It was a great honour to host a full England international in 2003 and that proved a real success. To be a part of the Olympic set-up would be a huge bonus for the club and the people of Ipswich."

Back in 2002 the British Olympic Association said they had sounded out 52 clubs regarding use of their grounds.

The Olympic football tournament is played between U23 sides, although teams are allowed three over-age players. In 1996 former Town winger Finidi George was in the winning Nigeria side.

Portman Road has already seen an Olympic football team in action. Back in 1959 the ground hosted a pre-Olympics friendly between Great Britain and the Caribbean FA ahead of the 1960 Games in Rome.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls