It may be Scott Loach and Dean Gerken battling it out for the keeper’s jersey at Ipswich Town this season, but third-choice youngster Michael Crowe has a bright future.

Towering at 6ft 5in tall, the 17-year-old has impressed senior team-mate Loach in training.

Asked about the teenager, he said: “Michael actually stayed at mine last night, I’m trying to take him under my wing.

“He’ll tell you he beat me at pool, but I destroyed him! For a 17-year-old he’s a confident lad – I really like him.

“When I went to Watford, Ben Foster was there and I think the way he treated me is how I look at the young lads now. I might only be 25, but to him I’m old. I’m just trying to pass on whatever I can.”

Crowe was born in London, but grew up in Norway, joining Town from IK Start last summer.

Due to the fact he has a Welsh grandfather, the young keeper was called up to the Wales Under-19 squad by former Town player Geraint Williams in April.

“I’ve been telling him ‘you want to be taking my place in a couple of years – you can be better than I am’,” said Loach.

“I broke into first team football fairly early because of injuries. I’ve said to him, be ready because you never know when your chance might come.

“I hope it doesn’t happen, because I want to play all season – and Gerks is the same – but it only takes a couple of injuries and he could be thrown in at the deep end.

“He’s a great lad and he’s got a great future ahead of him if he knuckles down and works hard.”

Town travel to League One side Notts County tomorrow for their final pre-season game of the summer.

The Blues have so far won all five of their friendly matches, beating Shelbourne (2-0), Crawley (2-1), Gillingham (2-1), Barnet (1-0) and Colchester (3-0).

For full match preview – including the thoughts of Magpies boss and former Town favourite Chris Kiwomya – see tomorrow’s paper.