“ABSOLUTE rubbish,” that was Ipswich Town boss Jim Magilton's opinion of new �2m signing Luciano Civelli after seeing him train for the first time.

Derek Davis

“ABSOLUTE rubbish,” that was Ipswich Town boss Jim Magilton's opinion of new �2m signing Luciano Civelli after seeing him train for the first time.

Asked about the 22-year-old left winger by Ipswich Town fans last night at the club's plc meeting, Magilton was forthright in his view on new signing Civelli.

Magilton said yesterday: “He is two weeks into pre-season. He trained today and was absolute rubbish.

“He will train the rest of the week and, if he gets clearances, will be in the squad. He has great quality and is an exciting prospect.”

The 6ft 1ins attacking left-sided player will be in the squad against Plymouth on Saturday if he gets international clearance.

As a holder of an Italian passport Civelli has no permit problems and the deal to bring him to Town has been negotiated with Argentinean scout Horacio Lordes, the man who helped bring Adrian Paz and Mauricio Taricco to Portman Road.

Another of the top topics fans wanted to ask about was if Magilton realised how much Town fans wanted Alex Bruce to stay.

Magilton said: “I brought him here and he has played 100 games, more than his dad played him, so I have faith in him.He has been offered a very good deal, it is entirely up to him now.”

The Irishman also played down supporters' disquiet about his regime and a banner calling for him to be sacked.

He said: “It is part of football. I listen to everyone's opinion. I'm the man that has to make the decisions - some I get right, some I get wrong.”