DAMIEN Delaney has predicted a “big future” for young team-mates Luke Hyam and Byron Lawrence.

Ipswich-born Hyam will be hoping for a recall against Millwall tomorrow and the Republic of Ireland international believes the defensive midfielder has every reason to feel aggrieved after being dropped 12 games ago.

The big defender said: “When Luke was in the team, he did a sterling job. As a defender having someone just sitting in front of the back four the way he does, I couldn’t speak highly enough of him.

“He’s probably been unlucky to be out the team – I think everyone would admit that. Maybe he will get a go between now and the end of the season, he would do a good job. He trains really well and is a very good professional. I’m pretty sure he has a big future at this football club.”

Hyam and fellow youngster Josh Carson will be hoping for a start tomorrow but the most intriguing prospect is arguably an appearance of Byron Lawrence.

The 16-year-old would be Town’s youngest-ever debutant having been an unnamed sub against Northampton in the Carling Cup in August. He also warmed up with the squad before the Leicester City match on April 9.

Of the schoolboy, Delaney said: “He trained with us over Easter and the best compliment you can give him is that he didn’t look out of place.

“If you walked in and didn’t know he was as young as he is, or that he had little experience of training with us you wouldn’t know any different.

“He has trained just as well as a lot of the senior lads – so maybe he deserves his chance.”

Manager Paul Jewell will think carefully before throwing Lawrence in against the Lions, but Delaney added: “He is a good lad and he seems to have a decent head on his shoulders.

But you don’t really find out about lads like Byron until you stick them into the cut and thrust of games somewhere. It is a different animal when you are playing.”