HAVING a top goalkeeper as a dad has helped teenage hotshot Jordan Rhodes hit the right targets.The 17-year-old, who scored a hat-trick in Wednesday's 5-3 FA Youth Cup win at QPR, was close to being included in the first team squad for today's Coca-Cola Championship match at Charlton.

By Elvin King

HAVING a top goalkeeper as a dad has helped teenage hotshot Jordan Rhodes hit the right targets.

The 17-year-old, who scored a hat-trick in Wednesday's 5-3 FA Youth Cup win at QPR, was close to being included in the first team squad for today's Coca-Cola Championship match at Charlton.

And with 17 goals under his belt already this season the former Kesgrave High School pupil is gunning for a place in the side before the campaign ends.

“Dad wanted me to play between the sticks,” said Rhodes junior. “But it ended up with me shooting at him in the garden.

“It has been a help having Dad around as he has given me more than a few tips on how to get the better of goalkeepers.”

Rhodes has certainly flourished since joining the Blues academy after switching from Barnsley when he was 13.

When playing a season at Under-16 level he scored 43 goals, and this term he has found the net at youth, reserve and first team level.

“Going on loan to Oxford was a great experience,” said Rhodes, who netted twice for the Blue Square Premier side.

Rhodes says that his hero is Alan Shearer for the way he pounced and converted chances.

“The gambles I take in the box have a knack of coming off, and this is part and parcel of being a goalscorer,” added Rhodes, who missed out on England youth honours because of a collar bone injury this year. “And I have learned a lot watching the likes of Pablo Counago, who finds holes to exploit in visiting penalty areas.

“I want to play in the first team - and score a couple of goals by the end of the season.”

Rhodes is also looking to help Ipswich have a run in the FA Youth Cup, and perhaps go out on another short-term loan to gain more first team experience.

He has set his sights on a long-term Ipswich career, and is working hard every day to fulfil his dreams.