LUCIANO Civelli, more than anyone else, would have a right to insist that “13” is unlucky for some!

And yet Civelli, Ipswich Town’s returning Argentine, takes the opposite view. He adores the number. 13, even though it has brought him no end of injury heart-ache at Portman Road.

The 23-year-old has just returned from 16 months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury, which he picked up in the home match against Burnley in March, 2009, while wearing his familiar No. 13 shirt.

For the new season, however, left-sided specialist Civelli has been handed squad No. 26. It is not necessarily to his taste!

“Thirteen is my favourite number, since I was 14 years old when I played for my little town,” explained Civelli, following his second outing of the summer at Histon on Friday night.

“So it’s not the first time I used it, here in Ipswich.

“But the gaffer changed the numbers, and I’m now number 26. It’s not my preferred number, but it’s OK.

“I would have preferred to have been given No. 13, but it’s fine to play with No. 26,” added Civelli.

Civelli played the final half-hour of the 6-0 win at Histon, setting up the fifth goal on a plate for Lee Martin. He also played 30 minutes at Newmarket Town the previous Tuesday.

Concerning his injury, Civelli explained: “I’m taking it step by step, but I’m feeling better than I thought.

“I’m happy that we played well (at Histon). It’s very important in pre-season to be right for the season

“It was a very long time to be out injured. I always tried to be positive, but it was hard. I’m now fixed, and if I keep like this, then I will be ready for the season, or in two or three matches.

“I’ve had no reaction. The knee is fine, and that’s the important thing,” concluded Civelli.