SATURDAY'S opening game of the season against Sheffield Wednesday will be extra special for Ipswich Town striker Jon Walters.And not just because the Owls' visit marks the start of what 23-year-old hopes will be his best-ever season.

By Elvin King

SATURDAY'S opening game of the season against Sheffield Wednesday will be extra special for Ipswich Town striker Jon Walters.

And not just because the Owls' visit marks the start of what 23-year-old hopes will be his best-ever season.

Walters expects to be in opposition with Wednesday central defender Richard Hinds, who was best man when the Town player married Jo on June 15.

“We have already given each other some stick,” said Walters. “Richard was a trainee at Tranmere and I played with him at Hull and also Scunthorpe where I was on loan.

“His fiancé went to the same school as I did, and Richard and I have been friends for a long while.

“We might be the best of mates, but there could still be some elbows swinging next Saturday.”

Hinds moved from promoted Scunthorpe to Wednesday during the close season, and is set to make his Owls debut at Portman Road.

Walters has become a big hit at Portman Road since his January move from Chester City, and Blues boss Jim Magilton said: “Jon is a very good player with a terrific attitude and he will always be in my side - at right back if necessary.”

It is a busy time for Walters who moves his family into their own property on Wednesday - with recent confirmation that Jo is expecting the couple's second child.

And regular striker Walters sees no problem playing on the right side of midfield where he has been used in pre-season by Magilton.

“I was taught how to play during my younger days at Blackburn,” said Walters. “It was a great education and knowing how to defend was in the programme.

“David Wright at right back and Tommy Miller on my side of midfield have been a great help, and I am sure with Alan Lee and Pablo Counago up front we have plenty of goals in us.”