AS much as Matt Bloomfield wants to make his Football League debut, he is delighted to see skipper Jim Magilton in full fitness.The 19-year-old midfielder from Trimley was torn between the anticipation of getting a first-team start at Crystal Palace on Tuesday while at the same time wanting the experienced Magilton to lead the side.

AS much as Matt Bloomfield wants to make his Football League debut, he is delighted to see skipper Jim Magilton in full fitness, writes Derek Davis.

The 19-year-old midfielder from Trimley was torn between the anticipation of getting a first-team start at Crystal Palace on Tuesday while at the same time wanting the experienced Magilton to lead the side.

“I want to play and move on and get into the side but at the same time as well as them being team-mates they are mates. I have been injured myself and I would not wish that on anyone,” said Bloomfield.

Reserve-team skipper Bloomfield made his senior debut in the Carling Cup against Notts County and thought he may have a chance of further first-team action when he was called into the squad travelling to Selhurst Park.

He said: “You see these things happen and you can see all these different permutations and you can't help but wonder if you will be involved and that was how I was feeling.

“I have been playing regularly for the reserves so I'm feeling fit and strong and I'm ready to take my chance if it comes along. I know I have to be patient and I am but I'm ready.”

Bloomfield suffered an horrendous injury towards the end of last season but with typical determination fought back and revealed how manager Joe Royle helped him.

He said: “Joe has been brilliant for me. I have heard stories how managers don't talk to players if they are injured but Joe was so good to me, always talking to me and that kept me going throughout the summer.”

But return he did and now is a regular leader of the young reserve side.

He said: “The first couple of games was like being a kid again to have a ball at my feet. It has been a bit hard as we have been losing but everyone is still working hard. I have been playing in the reserves for three years now so I enjoy the responsibility of being captain and helping some of the younger lads.”

Bloomfield said of Town's recent revival: “There is a great buzz around the club. Even when we were bottom the spirit was good, but now it is brilliant as was shown on Tuesday.

“I still feel part of it. I was in the stand with goalkeeping coach Malcolm Webster and when they scored we were jumping up and down as much as they were on the pitch, which typifies the spirit with the staff and players.”