IPSWICH TOWN: David Wright today revealed his joy at Owen Garvan joining the growing band of footballers making their way from Suffolk to south London.

Garvan, who signed for Crystal Palace two weeks ago, is set to be in the Eagles’ side along with other former Blues players Wright, Darren Ambrose and Alan Lee when the teams meet in an npower Championship fixture at Selhurst Park tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

Dubbed a match between Ipswich A and Ipswich B, the link between the clubs also sees former Town boss George Burley now in the Palace hot seat and goalkeeper Lewis Price plus keeper coach Malcolm Webster now working for the Londoners.

Like Wright, Garvan was seen as surplus to requirements at Portman Road, but defender Wright said: “It’s great to have Owen in our squad.

“We know about his quality and his terrific range of passes.

“He has the ability to open up any team and that could include Ipswich.

“Owen is travelling in the same car to training with Alan and myself and Richard Wright (who is training with Palace) and its great fun, and we’re all enjoying ourselves.

“Everybody at Ipswich knows what a good manager George Burley is and I’m really enjoying working with the gaffer.

“We’re all upbeat and positive about enjoying a good season.”

Wright has decided to stay based in Ipswich saying that this is where he plans to be long term, and that he will have to make an effort to put his ‘love affair’ with Town to the back of his mind tomorrow.

He described himself as devastated when told by Blues manager Roy Keane last April that he would not have anew contract offer.

“When playing against one of your former clubs you have to be as professional as you can,” added Wright.

“Of course you want to do well, and you have to put any links to the back of your mind.

“I shall be setting out to win three points for Palace.”

“I made my debut last week after a hamstring problem and I’ve got to prove to the fans that I’m worthy of wearing the shirt.

“I’ve nothing to prove to Roy Keane or the Ipswich fans, they know what type of player I am.

“I imagine I’ll get a good reception from the Ipswich fans. I gave everything while I was there - just like at all the clubs I’ve been at - and I had a really enjoyable time there. But now I’ve got to do what is best for Palace.”

Palace have Sean Scannell and Lee Hills as long-term casualties with Price set to start on the bench.