GEORGE Burley believes he has discovered the new James Scowcroft, writes Derek Davis.The Derby boss has likened Marcus Tudgay to the Leicester City forward who was a popular figure among the more knowledgeable Ipswich Town fans.

GEORGE Burley believes he has discovered the new James Scowcroft, writes Derek Davis.

The Derby boss has likened Marcus Tudgay to the Leicester City forward who was a popular figure among the more knowledgeable Ipswich Town fans.

Scowcroft, who joined the Foxes in a bargain £3m move from Ipswich, who then suffered relegation under Burley without him.

Now Burley is determined not to make the same mistake and is looking to hang on to Tudgay who is likely to get the nod ahead of Carlos Reich today on the left side of midfield.

Burley said: "Marcus is a hard-working lad who can play up front or in that wide role. It is not an easy position to play but he reminds me a lot of James Scowcroft who does it so well."

Tudgay scored what turned out to be a consolation goal against Leicester City on Wednesday but he hopes that will be enough to get him the nod this afternoon.

He said: "I felt sharp against Leicester so, hopefully, along with my goal, I have given myself a good chance to start against Ipswich. It would be good to know that I have made the gaffer's team selection even more difficult and given him a headache."

Burley is unlikely to change his side much from the one that lost at home to the Foxes, although Paul Peschisolido could push Junior for a starting pace up front.

Ian Taylor is expected to keep his place in midfield even though Burley admitted he was worried about some of his more senior players trotting out for a third game in a week.

Exciting young prospect Tom Huddlestone has been dropped into central defence after impressing in midfield last season but has already made his mark at the back.