CENTRAL defender Gerard Nash has been given another chance to prove he has a future with Ipswich Town.The 19-year-old, who has made one first-team appearance, has been told by new manager Jim Magilton that he can take part in pre-season training.

CENTRAL defender Gerard Nash has been given another chance to prove he has a future with Ipswich Town.

The 19-year-old, who has made one first-team appearance, has been told by new manager Jim Magilton that he can take part in pre-season training.

A free agent after being told by former boss Joe Royle that his contract would not be renewed this summer, Nash is already spending time at the training ground.

Nash was regarded as a hot prospect after making his debut in the 6-1 win over Burnley in October 2003.

He has undergone two cruciate knee operations and spent the final weeks of last season on loan at Southend.

Magilton has given Nash permission to join the Town squad for pre-season as the player looks to reach match fitness before finding a new club.

Meanwhile Ipswich Town's reserve side will be playing competitive games after all in 2006/07.

There were fears that they would be left playing friendly matches after being dropped from the FA Premier Reserve League.

The Blues second string is rejoining the Football Combination and will play sides from this region - two outside of the Football League.

This was agreed at the Football Combination annual general meeting held in London.

The Eastern Division of the Pontin's Holidays Combination League will feature 10 teams with Ipswich coming up against Norwich City, Southend United, Colchester United, Leyton Orient, Luton Town, MK Dons, Northampton Town, Oxford United and Stevenage Borough.

Ipswich have played in the FA Premier Reserve League (South) since their promotion to the Premiership in 2000, winning the title a year later. Previously they had been long-term been members of the Football Combination.

Town plan to move some of their reserve games away from Portman Road with non-league grounds like Bloomfields at Needham Market a likely venue.