Dyer says Ipswich Town fans should feel proud after youngsters play for England

Kieron Dyer is excited by the future at Portman Road (Image: Archant)

England under-17s finished taking part in the Algarve Tournament last week, with Dyer flying out to watch the final game against Holland.

Blues youngsters Andre Dozzell, Ben Morris and goalkeeper Nick Hayes all played their part and Dyer, who made almost 100 appearances for Town and won four under-20, 11 under-21 and 33 full England caps, thinks Town’s ‘barren spell’ of young stars coming through the Portman Road ranks is coming to an end.

“How proud does it make you feel as an Ipswich fan when you see the likes of Andre, Ben and Nick on an England team-sheet, surrounded by players from the likes of Spurs, Manchester City, and Chelsea?” Dyer said.

“It’s not like we have just one player in the squad, but three. That’s one hell of an achievement.

“It’s been a little bit barren with only Tommy (Smith) and Luke (Hyam) currently in the team who have come through the youth system.

“But we have had Teddy Bishop and Matt Clarke recently and now we have three players in the England Under-17s.

“I always thought it would take five or six years for these boys to come through and of course they still have a way to go still. But it’s very positive.

“To have one or two youngsters in the England squad is one thing, but to have three when the FA scout so many youth games up and down the country – it’s a tribute to those boys and Bryan Klug (Ipswich’s Academy Head Coach).”

Morris and Dozzell, who was captain, started for England in the first game with Portugal, which ended 1-1.

In game two against Germany, Dozzell again started, as did Hayes in goal.

Going 2-0 up, Hayes saved a second-half penalty but couldn’t stop the Germans scoring two late goals, while Morris came on as a substitute.

Dozzell and Morris again started yesterday in the 2-0 defeat to Holland.