Boss Joe Royle praised his "outstanding" youngsters after they defeated Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 at Portman Road. Royle's starting XI against the Owls had an average age of just over 24 but was significantly inflated by the inclusion of veterans Jim Magilton, 36, and Fabian Wilnis, 34.

Royle felt the young side's win was very important: "In the circumstances this is probably the most significant result for the club for a long time. We played some super football.

"Our youngsters showed no fear and were outstanding. I told them to pass Wednesday off the pitch because we were never going to match their big men in the air."

Royle's man of the match was Richard Naylor, with debutant Dean McDonald not far behind. The Town manager has high hopes for the former Gunner: "He was a bit down when he was released by Arsenal but he has grown stronger and stronger. He has great talent and there is a dearth of players in England who run at the opposition with the ball.

"We know he is going to be a crowd pleaser and, as long as he produces an end product, he will be brilliant.

"We have had a big turnover of players and are generally tighter at the back than last season, although we don't look quite as dangerous going forward."

McDonald enjoyed his first taste of league football: "It was brilliant. I thought I played well, as did the whole team.

"I was certainly pleased with my performance. The coaches told me to do what I do well in training and reserve team matches, and I felt I did that.

"I had a few strikes at goal, some were on target but others were off and that's something I've got to brush up on. Usually, I look for clear-cut chances but today I had a go at every opportunity.

"Dean Bowditch and I have played together in the reserves, so our link up play went quite well and I think we could have a good partnership.

"All the kids out there today showed what they could do and that they can perform at this level.

"The more experienced guys are very important to us youngsters because sometimes we might have a little rush of blood and they will steady us down. The skipper is the most important person out there - he's an inspiration to all of us.

"I want to be involved in all the matches from here on in. I know that that will not necessarily be the case and the gaffer will decide who will play and when. He knows what's best after all, he was a top player himself and he's done it all."

Wednesday boss Paul Sturrock was very impressed with Town: "Ipswich are a quality passing team who will finish in the top six. We have not come up against anything like this for a long, long time. They showed us all about passing the ball quickly.

"Our biggest problem is that we are having to learn on the move with so many new signings arriving well into pre-season training. I don't really know what my strongest team is but I'll have a better idea after Tuesday's Carling Cup tie at Stockport.

"I have full confidence in the squad and they will soon be playing up to speed. We had a system change and ended with a formation that was alien to us but which gave Ipswich problems. We had a go but the second Ipswich goal knocked the stuffing out of us.

"Burton O'Brien was outstanding and I am very pleased with him. Graham Coughlan and Steve Adams both need games."

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