ENGLAND Under-21 star Darren Ambrose has urged Blues fans to be patient with new Ipswich Town boss Jim Magilton.Ambrose revealed he was among those who called to wish Magilton well on his appointment, but laughed off suggestions the Irishman tried to get him in on loan.

By Derek Davis

ENGLAND Under-21 star Darren Ambrose has urged Blues fans to be patient with new Ipswich Town boss Jim Magilton.

Ambrose revealed he was among those who called to wish Magilton well on his appointment, but laughed off suggestions the Irishman tried to get him in on loan.

He said: “I was chuffed for Jim getting the job and we spoke a few times on the phone but only about him being manager, not about me coming.

“I'm sure Jim will do a terrific job for Ipswich. His enthusiasm is immense and I know they have not got off to the best of starts but I hear they have been playing quite well and I'm sure he will turn it around.

“I always look out for Ipswich's results, this is my old stamping ground and I have a lot of affection for the place, so it has been disappointing to see their start.

“But given time Jim will be okay. It can't be easy for supporters but really they need to be patient, get behind him and the players and things will soon turn around.

“There are players who have played in the Premier League, and good young players. Add that to Jim's amazing passion and I'm sure they will do well.”

Ambrose, who at 22 is the old man of Peter Taylor's England squad, was speaking ahead of his first return to Portman Road since signing for Newcastle in March 2003.

The attacking midfielder is now with Charlton but relishing the chance to play at the ground where he cut his teeth.

Ambrose was part of Dale Roberts' reserve league winning side and the youth team that got to the FA Youth cup semi-final, then made his place in the first team before his financially-driven £1m move to Newcastle United.

He said: “I didn't play that many games before I moved on but I know what a fantastic place Portman Road can be for atmosphere.

“I loved my time at Ipswich and I'm delighted to be back here.

“I know Benty (Darren Bent) was very disappointed not to be coming to Portman Road but at the same time he is really pleased to be in the full squad. If he had played it would have brilliant for us to combine at Portman Road with me passing to him and Benty scoring.”

Although he turned 22 in February, Ambrose still qualifies for this tournament and hopes to add to his nine caps, and two goals, and play his part in beating Moldova and Switzerland. That would set up a play-off game to make the finals in Holland next summer.

Ambrose added: “I'm delighted to still be involved in international football with the Under-21s as I'm not really close to the full squad.

“It does give me hope that Darren Bent and Luke Young are in the senior squad as it shows that they are looking at Charlton and the young players we have at the club.

“If I can do well for Charlton and do well for the Under-21s then I can make my debut for them. It is every young English player's dream to play for England.”

Although Darren Bent was originally named in the under-21 squad, Wayne Rooney's absence in the senior squad meant a call-up for last season's top-scoring Englishman.

Ambrose said: “Benty was very disappointed not to go to the World Cup and we spoke about it on the phone.

“Darren is a very determined individual and will always score goals. He is a natural finisher and with his goals hopefully we can go one better at Charlton this year. He has come back this season and apart from his slight injury, has looked sharp in pre-season.”