COLCHESTER United skipper Karl Duguid is relishing the chance to play in front of the Sky TV cameras again, when Ipswich Town visit a packed Layer Road tonight.

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United skipper Karl Duguid is relishing the chance to play in front of the Sky TV cameras again, when Ipswich Town visit a packed Layer Road tonight.

The U's have only been featured live on television on a handful of occasions, although the last time was only seven months ago.

United, when Phil Parkinson was at the helm, performed with great credit in a televised 3-1 defeat at Premier League champions Chelsea, in an FA Cup fifth round tie at Stamford Bridge. But Duguid wants more than just a good performance tonight.

“It's great for the club that we are on TV again. Hopefully, thousands or millions will be able to tune in,” said Duguid last night.

“We want to put in a good show for ourselves and our fans. But whereas we were never expected to get a result at Chelsea, we feel that we can do well against Ipswich.

“I don't feel that we are the underdogs. We are at home, and we fancy our chances of winning the match.

“And it will be just like old times, playing under the lights on a Friday night. When we got promoted the first time around (from Nationwide Division Three in 1997-98), we played about eight or nine games on a Friday night, and we usually did well in these matches.

“It's a different atmosphere under the floodlights. I love playing in these matches. There will be pressure, but we're looking forward to dealing with these pressures,” added Duguid.

U's boss Geraint Williams is set to name an unchanged side, following last weekend's goal-less draw at Leicester City.

In fact, the only change that the Welshman has made in the previous five matches was an enforced one, with keeper Aidan Davison missing the 2-1 home win over QPR with a tight groin. Dean Gerken deputised, although Davison was back in goal at the Walkers Stadium.

It will be a special occasion for manager Williams, who played 217 league games for Ipswich as a central midfielder before his move to Layer Road on a free transfer during the summer of 1998.

U's centre-half Wayne Brown will also relish the chance to play against his old club this evening. The 29-year-old made 50 appearances for Town at the start of his career.

Tonight's game is a sell-out, so Layer Road will be bursting at the seams. Left-winger Duguid can't wait.

“It's a massive game for the fans. It will be great to have a capacity crowd, and I'm sure that they will be very vocal. They will be as loud as possible,” added Duguid.

Loyal servant Duguid is in his 11th season as a professional footballer, having coming up through the youth ranks at Layer Road. Tonight will be his 365th senior game in a U's shirt.

Tonight's game will be screened live on Sky Sports 2 with coverage starting from 7.30pm.