Boss Joe Royle has urged fans to be patient with the new generation of youngsters progressing into the first team. The squad for Saturday's home game with Cardiff includes five players younger than 20 years of age.

Goalkeeper Shane Supple, central defender Chris Casement and midfielder Owen Garvan were all members of the FA Youth Cup-winning side last season, while Canadian international winger Jaime Peters and former Arsenal trainee Dean McDonald are also in the squad facing the Bluebirds.

Royle told the club site: "The Youth Cup success was fantastic for the club last season and a wonderful testament to the hard work Bryan Klug, his staff and the boys put in.

"It was a very young U18 side as well, with several players eligible to play in the competition again this year. That fact makes it an even more amazing feat by the boys, but it also means that with so many of the boys being so young, it's a giant step for them to make that progression from U18s to first team.

"So we must be careful that the pressure of expectancy is not heaped on their shoulders.

"Yes, the potential is there, but these kids are not battle-hardened pros. They are just starting out in the game.

"Jaime Peters is another. It's been well documented that we had a long drawn out process to finally get the lad a work permit but now he's here and we're delighted. But again, he will need time.

"It's great for the club though, to see so many of these boys coming through and we hope they go on to enjoy a successful career here at Portman Road."

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