DEAN Bowditch will make his first league start for Ipswich Town as Blues boss Joe Royle looks to get his team firing on all cylinders again when they face Coventry City tomorrow, writes Derek Davis.

DEAN Bowditch will make his first league start for Ipswich Town as Blues boss Joe Royle looks to get his team firing on all cylinders again when they face Coventry City tomorrow, writes Derek Davis.

The 17-year-old netted in Ipswich's 1-0 Carling Cup win over Kidderminster Harriers last week and will be used to try to end Town's Division One goal famine.

Marcus Bent, Darren Bent and Pablo Counago have failed to find the net in three attempts in league and cup matches this season and at least one of those will be sacrificed against Coventry to make way for Bowditch.

Royle said: "Dean might well get his chance from the start.

"I'm still considering one or two things but we know he is a good player, it has just been a case of getting the timing right to start him."

Bowditch made his senior debut as a substitute against Norwich City last March but if he gets the nod tomorrow it will be his first start.

The Town boss watched the reserves beat Southampton 2-0 on Wednesday and was so delighted with the progress of midfielder Adem Atay he has offered him a two-year contract.

Royle said: "Adem has done extremely well and he will sign a professional contract in the next day or so."

Experienced defender John McGreal played 90 minutes without any adverse reaction and put in a comfortable and confident performance and may return to the first-team squad tomorrow.

Royle said: "It was good to see John come through and play so well. Alongside him Gerard Nash confirmed what good progress he is making."

Aidan Collins, another exciting young central defender, is coming along nicely after having his tonsils out and will rejoin full training today.

Royle was also impressed with Town's energetic midfield against Southampton, including Antonio Murray, and added: "Antonio has come back very strong after injury and Ian Westlake got through a lot of good work."

There are no injury problems for Town ahead of tomorrow's game. Jermaine Wright trained yesterday after recovering from a stomach bug, which ruled him out of Wednesday's reserve match.