MARTIN Brittain goes straight into tonight's Ipswich Town squad as they look to avoid a Carling Cup upset at Peterborough.The 21-year-old Newcastle United winger signed a one-year deal after impressing on trial and Blues boss Jim Magilton last night gave him a ringing endorsement.

By Derek Davis

MARTIN Brittain goes straight into tonight's Ipswich Town squad as they look to avoid a Carling Cup upset at Peterborough.

The 21-year-old Newcastle United winger signed a one-year deal after impressing on trial and Blues boss Jim Magilton last night gave him a ringing endorsement.

Magilton said: “Martin's whole attitude, character and attributes as a footballer impressed me. He adds quality to that area of our team and is an old-fashioned style winger.

“He is right footed and offers a possible solution to that area. He is in the squad for Peterborough with the opportunity to play.

“We have been encouraged by his displays in training and in the reserves at MK Dons last week.”

Brittain was recommended to Ipswich by Sir Bobby Robson, and driven to the Playford Road training ground personally by his Republic of Ireland right hand man and new Town scout Charlie Woods

The duo knew 21-year-old Brittain from their time at St James' Park and Robson gave the wide midfielder his debut in the third round of the UEFA Cup against Valerenga two years ago.

Magilton said: “Sir Bobby and Charlie spoke highly about him and from what I have seen I fully endorse what they say about him.

“It make s a nice change to take a player from Newcastle rather than them taking one of ours.”

Magilton has constantly assessed a number of trialists who have come through the Playford Road doors but until now only Bulgarian international Ivaylo Petkov had been offered anything and the international defender last week decided to stay in Turkey.

Magilton admits it is a tough environment in which to win a deal so the young Geordie has done very well.

He said: “We have a lot of trialists and it is hard for them, it is certainly difficult to come here and win a contract.

“I would not have liked to have had to done it as player but Martin has everything we are looking for and we feel it is an opportunity for him after the pedigree of being at Newcastle.”

Magilton has also handed a trial to former Espanyol defender Antonio Soldevilla, who is a free agent.

The rugged 27-year-old made 114 appearances for Barcelona-based Espanyol before spending last season at Poli Ejido.

Magilton is determined to avoid a cup upset at London Road and will be putting out a full strength side.

He said: “I want to win the game it is as simple as that.

“Peterborough will go into this game fancying their chances but I want us to go out and play as if it is the most important game of their lives. We need to go and do a professional job because Peterborough will provide pretty tough opposition.

“I have a lot of respect for Keith Alexander and what he is trying to do there.

“He has been very positive in his shape and formation and deserves credit for that. I'm also looking forward to seeing Barry Fry too.”

Sam Parkin is included in the party but could be pulled out at any moment if Luton or Preston meet his personal demands after both clubs had their £300,000 down, with a further £200,000 to follow, bids accepted by Ipswich Town.

Simon Walton and Mark Noble both miss out as their mother clubs don't want then cup-tied.

Gavin Williams is out after suffering a split toe, which needed stitches, during the first 0-0 draw in 47 league games on Saturday against Hull City.

The Welsh international has had an X-ray and Town are hoping he will be fit for the visit to QPR on Friday.

Alan Lee also misses out through injury, while Jason De Vos is a doubt with a heavily bruised leg.

With the next league game so soon, one or two players may be rested and youngsters given their head.

Fabian Wilnis could play in central defence, with Sito Castro going in at right-back as Alex Bruce returns to a holding role.