The future’s looking bright at Portman Road and two young stars could be Blues heroes of the next generation.

Newly-crowned Academy Player of the Year Jack Marriott has been mentioned in the same breath as Jordan Rhodes and Darren Bent, by academy director Bryan Klug, while 13-year-old Andre Dozzell – the son of former Town midfielder Jason – is being watched by country’s biggest teams.

In Marriott’s case, 26 goals this season, including nine for the under-21s has left fans clamouring for the 18-year-old to be given his first-team bow, while Dozzell is being tipped to follow in his dad’s footsteps.

Klug, who returned to the club last summer, following a spell at Tottenham, expressed his delight with the pair’s progress but has also erred on the side of caution, warning fans not to expect too much too soon.

“Jack has scored 26 goals this season in the youth team and under-21 level and has an eye for a goal, just like Jordan (Rhodes), Connor (Wickham) and Darren (Bent),” said Klug.

“His record probably stands alongside them. He has improved his game, but he has got to do it at the next level.

“We were at the awards evening on Tuesday and there was a table with Alan Brazil, Ray Crawford and John Wark sat on it.

“As an apprentice in his second month at Ipswich, Alan (Brazil) scored 16 goals in one month, four each in four games and that puts it into perspective.

“But goalscorers catch the eye and hide a multitude of sins but he does need time and there is a little way to go.”

Marriott has signed a one-year professional deal with the club, and will be joined by David October, Mark Timlin, Tom Winter and John Leddy who have penned similar deals and have all displayed potential.

Dozzell is several years younger than the quintet but hopes are high that the youngster can live up to expectations.

“Andre has a lot of work to do, but every club in the country has him on their radar,” said Klug.

“He has got a lot of the qualities that I saw in his dad and is in a peer group of boys that is improving really quickly.

“He has been on the bench for the under-18s already, which was incredible and, without putting pressure on him, long may that continue.”