IT is said that patience is a virtue and if that is true then Dean Bowditch is a saint.The young hot-shot made his first-team debut last season as a 16-year-old, going on at Norwich to help spark Town's 2-0 victory.

IT is said that patience is a virtue and if that is true then Dean Bowditch is a saint, writes Derek Davis.

The young hot-shot made his first-team debut last season as a 16-year-old, going on at Norwich to help spark Town's 2-0 victory. But since that heady day in March, Bowditch has yet to start a league game for the Blues, although he made his first full bow at Notts County in the Carling Cup earlier this season.

Bowditch told the EADT during Town's pre-season tour that he was in no rush and any first-team appearances would be a bonus. Since then he has made seven substitute appearances and scored his first senior goal against Kidderminster Harriers in the Carling Cup.

But he continues to bide his time and is content to continue learning his trade in the reserves, where he came close to adding to his five goals in two games during the hard-fought goalless draw against Portsmouth on Tuesday.

He said: “I'm still only 17 and it is a big thing for someone this young to be in the first team but I'm working really hard to get a regular first-team spot.

“I'm still being patient and shall continue to do so as long as it takes. But hopefully it is only a matter of time before the Gaffer picks me from the start - Norwich next month would be a good one, I'd certainly enjoy that.”

Although he didn't score Bowditch impressed on Tuesday and has clearly built up a good understanding with Alun Armstrong, who went off after 23 minutes with a sore back.

Braintree boy Bowditch is keen to use the second string to help bolster his chances of that elusive first-team starting spot and was happy to help the young Blues take their unbeaten run to four matches despite having Lewis Price sent off. He said: “As soon as we went down to 10 men we showed a lot of endeavour and desire to get a goal and we had the better chances.

“We went into the dressing room afterwards buzzing because we felt it was a good as a win against a good team.

“The reserves are good for me because I work hard for the whole game and that helps. I then try and take my performances in the reserves to the first team and when I get my chance to go on try and impress the Gaffer.”

With Pablo Counago out injured and Armstrong struggling it looks to be a straight fight between Bowditch and Darren Bent, who scored against Derby after a month out, for a first-team start.

If he doesn't get his first league start Bowditch will remain as patient as any saint.

* Lewis Price will receive a one-match ban for his sending off against Pompey and won't be available for the reserve team game against Chelsea next week - but he will not have to miss any first-team games.