They are the main thirty-somethings to survive Paul Jewell’s cull.

The Ipswich Town side taking their place in this afternoon’s Championship opener against Blackburn Rovers will be one of the youngest ever to start a league season for the Blues.

This means the role of club captain Carlos Edwards and striker Jason Scotland – both 33 – are crucial in helping the kids come through.

Scotland said: “We have some young lads in the dressing room, but I can help them and guide them by offering some of my experience.

“Carlos is there as well. We are probably the two most experienced players in the squad and Carlos will help by being skipper as well.

“The season is a learning process but even though the guys are young, they have been in and around the team for a long time.”

This guidance has also been advocated by one of the youngsters, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, who is confident of a strong season ahead.

JET said: “The team has got a lot of young boys in it with a lot of talent. I am sure the older boys can show us the right way and we can do the business on the pitch.”

Scotland’s presence in and around the dressing room has always been praised by manager Paul Jewell – and it has now become even more important since the departure of fellow livewire Jimmy Bullard.

The midfielder, who last week left the club via mutual agreement, will be missed according to Scotland, who will be hoping to get the nod against Blackburn today having scored two in the last three friendly and competitive matches.

Of his former team-mate, Scotland said: “Everyone was so surprised but Jimmy and the manager had a chat and made the decision. It has come and gone and we all move on.

“Jimmy was always Jimmy – everyone knows what he is like. He is crazy and mental in the dressing room and we will miss that side of him.”