Nash is next for Town

By Derek Davis

GERARD Nash will become the latest of Ipswich Town's young talent to emerge from the Academy when he makes his debut for the reserves against Charlton Athletic at Portman Road tonight.

The 16-year-old Republic of Ireland youth-team captain will join fellow teenager Aiden Collins in the centre of defence after Mark Venus was ruled out of a return from injury.

With Chris Hogg away with the England Under-18s squad, Nash has been given his chance after impressing for the Academy.

The County Kildare youngster is another who is highly thought of by Town's coaching staff as an elegant central defender who can move effortlessly into midfield.

Blues boss Joe Royle had hoped veteran defender Venus would have a run-out, but even though he has joined in training recently, it was decided to give him another week before plunging him into a game situation.

Usual skipper Ian Westlake is out with a knee injury but Nabil Abidallah returns from sickness and will be joined in midfield by England Under-19 player Matt Bloomfield and the rapidly-improving Antonio Murray.

Experienced Alun Armstrong and the impressive Dean Bowditch will lead the attack.

Charlton were last night considering giving Hermann Hreidarsson his first run-out in their colours after recovering from a gashed thigh but no decision had been made.

The Icelander is keen to play and would get the opportunity to say farewell to the Blues supporters after his transfer deadline day move to the Premiership club. Even though he is now fit and can play for the reserves he is not able to play in Alan Curbishley's first team even though the Addicks are in desperate need of something to arrest their recent slide.

Ipswich Town Reserves: Pullen, Mitchell, Chafey, Murray, Colins, Nash, Abidallah, Bloomfield, Armstrong, Bowditch, Boardley, Flack, Peat, Atay, Reid, Morrow.