Luke Hyam was proud to captain his hometown club last night, even though his debut with the armband ended in an FA Cup defeat.

The 24-year-old youth product led a young Ipswich side in their 2-1 FA Cup loss to Portsmouth at Fratton Park, with club captain Luke Chambers and the majority of Mick McCarthy’s first team regulars left out as the Town boss prioritises the Championship.

Though the Blues exited the FA Cup at the third round stage once again, Hyam was proud to achieve a dream he’s had since he first kicked a ball in the club’s youth system.

“I’m very proud and very honoured to captain the side, I’ve always dreamed about it from a young age and for it to happen is a proud moment for myself,” he said.

“I’m obviously disappointed with the result though, which is the main thing.

“It was a hard night, I thought Portsmouth were the better team and played really well, in the first tie as well.

“We have to take the positives as well and I thought after the break we battled really well with Ainsley (Maitland-Niles) scoring a great goal to get us back in the tie.

“But going down to 10 men makes it even more tough.”

Though the Blues fielded a team made up of players who had not been regularly involved in the first team this season, Hyam insisted the better team won and that the side’s lack of experience must not be used as an excuse.

He said: “Everything comes into the equation but at the same time there’s no excuses, we train together day in day out and know each other very well.

“There are boys who need games and younger players on the fringes at the same time, it’s not easy coming to Fratton Park either. I’ve been there a couple of times and the fans are always singing and Portsmouth are a very good team who made it difficult for us.”