DAN Harding has proved to be more than a makeweight in the deal that took Ian Westlake to Leeds United - but Blues boss Jim Magilton believes the full-back has even more to offer.

By Derek Davis

DAN Harding has proved to be more than a makeweight in the deal that took Ian Westlake to Leeds United - but Blues boss Jim Magilton believes the full-back has even more to offer.

Harding has played in every game bar one since making the move to Portman Road and many observers believe Ipswich got the better part of the deal when they signed him and got £250,000 in exchange for Westlake in the summer.

The left-back has impressed in defence and with his attacking intent supporting down the left flank but Magilton expects even more from the Gloucester-born player who will be 23 on Saturday week.

Magilton said: “Dan has had ups and downs, as any player going to a new club does. But he has so much more to give. We are working with him and he is desperate to be a top player.

“He needed to be more consistent and he has been, although he will fluctuate. Overall I have been pleased with him but I demand more of him and he is now demanding more of himself.”

Westlake says he has no regrets about his move north and feels under Dennis Wise the team move up the table.

n The Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, the Rt Rev Richard Lewis, will lead a minute's silence before the Ipswich Town v Leeds United game on Saturday as a mark of respect to the five women found dead in Suffolk.

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