Move over Dad’s Army, the young guns are in town.

That is the message today after the young twenty-somethings showed Town’s more senior players how to perform with passion, enthusiasm and heart during the 2-2 draw against Blackpool.

Ipswich’s well-known frailties might have again been a thorn in their side after they threw away a two-goal lead – and almost lost the game – with some dreadful defending.

But the high-energy, attacking style of Jewell’s babes warmed the home faithful and partly lifted the dark clouds that have been circling around

Portman Road.

Now Drury, impressive in the heart of the midfield, believes Luke Hyam, Josh Carson and goalscorer Tommy Smith can help Town move away from the relegation zone.

And even though manager Paul Jewell admitted he has put in bids for three unnamed players, the message from Drury is: Don’t forget the kids.

The midfielder said: “They all played well and hopefully the boys who have done well will keep the shirt.

“The manager didn’t put any pressure on us before the game, he just told us to relax. Luke played really well and it was nice to play with him.”

With Grant Leadbitter joining the list of absentees and Jimmy Bullard only fit enough for the bench, Jewell had no choice but to throw in the youngsters in a starting line-up with an average age of under 25 – including six youngsters under 23. But from the first whistle they showed a hunger that has not always been there this season – and quickly earned the backing and respect of the home crowd.

Drury said: “I think everyone in the ground could see we were working for each other, working for the gaffer and working for the fans as well.

“I have been here for a year and the fans were as good as they have ever been in that time. It helps having their support. Especially after their second goal went in, the response they gave us was fantastic.

“We are gutted not to get all three points – we just fell apart for a spell. But we were a young, inexperienced team and we will learn from it and get better.”