Ipswich Town manager Paul Lambert has not ruled out starting teenage forward Jack Lankester in the near future after hailing the academy graduate a ‘huge talent’.

East Anglian Daily Times: Homegrown forward Jack Lankester featured in a pre-season friendly against West Ham. Photo: Steve WallerHomegrown forward Jack Lankester featured in a pre-season friendly against West Ham. Photo: Steve Waller (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

Lankester hails from Bury St Edmunds, has been with the Blues since the age of seven and signed his first professional contract back in August.

The 18-year-old recently made his first team debut, a bright substitute display against QPR under Paul Hurst’s management, and then stepped off the bench at Millwall under caretaker boss Bryan Klug.

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New boss Lambert named him on the bench for last weekend’s 1-1 home draw against Preston ahead of Grant Ward.

And he was left impressed by the youngster’s display when watching the club’s table-topping Under-23s draw 2-2 with Cardiff at Portman Road on Monday afternoon.

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“Good player, very good,” Lambert said, when asked about the forward, who spent time on loan with Bury Town in the Bostik League North Division last season.

“He’s a good talent, a huge talent; a terrific left foot. He’s not a baby but you have to give them time as well.

East Anglian Daily Times: Jack Lankester replaces Gwion Edwards to make his Ipswich Town senior debut against QPR. Photo: Steve WallerJack Lankester replaces Gwion Edwards to make his Ipswich Town senior debut against QPR. Photo: Steve Waller (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

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“He might make impacts here and there. He might start the odd game or so or might come off the bench. It’s a big, big ask to throw somebody in, but Jack is a big, big talent.”

Town are currently five points adrift at the foot of the Championship table heading into tomorrow’s game at fellow-strugglers Reading.

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Asked if he was able to devote much time to the academy given the first team’s current predicament, Lambert – who has signed a contract until 2021 – said: “You can if you want to build something.

“I watched the Under-15s last night and they were really good, the really young ones.

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“You’ve got to see what’s there and what’s happening at the football club. I think that’s important.

East Anglian Daily Times: Jack Lankester also stepped off the bench in the 3-0 defeat at Millwall. Photo: PagepixJack Lankester also stepped off the bench in the 3-0 defeat at Millwall. Photo: Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

“The kids need a manager where, when they do get older, they’re know going to get a chance.

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“I don’t think you can be ignorant to it and turning a blind eye to the Under-18s and Under-23s. Somebody might just pop out at you where you think ‘he’s good enough’.

“If I think you’re good enough it doesn’t faze me to throw you in.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Jack Lankester shakes hands with West Ham midfielder Mark Noble back in August. Photo: Ross HallsJack Lankester shakes hands with West Ham midfielder Mark Noble back in August. Photo: Ross Halls (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Jack Lankester impressed Paul Lambert with his performance for the club's Under-23s on Monday. Photo: Ross HallsJack Lankester impressed Paul Lambert with his performance for the club's Under-23s on Monday. Photo: Ross Halls (Image: Archant)