COCK-a-hoop Blues boss Joe Royle has praised his young stars after a come-from behind win at Norwich - and nailed rumours that this is his last season with the Blues.

By Derek Davis

COCK-a-hoop Blues boss Joe Royle praised his young stars after a come-from behind win at Norwich but didn't forget the veterans who played a huge part in the win.

While Danny Haynes and Jimmy Juan scored the goals and youngsters like Owen Garvan and Matt Richards shone once more, Royle pointed out that Darren Currie, Jason De Vos, Richard Naylor and Fabian Wilnis in particular had all been exceptional.

Royle also nailed rumour flying around that this was his last season with the Blues.

A Sunday tabloid claimed that Phil Parkinson is being lined up as the next Ipswich Town boss as Royle's wife Janet is seriously ill.

But Royle told the EADT that the report was inaccurate and he had no intention of quitting in the summer.

He said: “Janet is fine and I have no thoughts of leaving.”

But Royle did confirm that the Blues have been tracking Manchester United youngster Mads Timm who is on loan at Walsall.

The Blues did not look any particular need for reinforcements as they swept aside City to leapfrog them in the Championship table - but Royle admits he was concerned that they may not get their just desserts.

He said: “We were the better team and even the most ardent Norwich fan could not argue with that.

“We were terrific but I a bit worried we weren't going to get what we deserved again. We played Norwich recently and didn't have the best of luck when we hit the woodwork a couple of times then.

“This time when we didn't get a couple of blatant penalties that we should have had and Matt Richards hit the woodwork again, I thought 'here we go again' but justice was done in the end.

“I thought overall the ref had a good game but he missed two penalties.

“The ball for the winner may have gone in off Danny's chest or hand - I don't care. Justice was done in the end.

“Alan Lee did very well for us again and we was the only out and out front man because we know Danny doesn't last a full game but you can see the impact he makes when he is on.

“That is his third in nine games. I was about to take him off because he was struggling but I'm glad I kept him on for a bit longer now.”

Royle was effusive in his praise for the whole side but wasn't getting carried away even after an unbeaten league run of six games.

He said: “We are in the top half of the of the table and we do have forwards to get fit but we can pass the ball and we can play. We needed a cutting edge and Alan Lee gives us that physical presence so the ball doesn't go back all the time.

“Owen has that terrible habit of passing the ball to a player in the same coloured shirt. That seems to be a dying art in some places.

“He plays incisive passes and makes a big impact. Our young lads were exceptional again but don't forget the old-timers too. Darren Currie was outstanding, as were the three elder defenders.”

The only downside was seeing Gavin Williams going off after 24 minutes injured, although that allowed Haynes to get his chance.

Royle said: “Gavin had an injection before the game and it was a bit of a gamble but it only went wrong because he got clattered so often early on.”

And “Royle empathised with his opposite number Nigel Worthington who city fans after the game called to be sacked

He said: “The Ipswich fans were chanting for my name not long a go for me to go so it soon changes.

“I feel for Nigel but I'm sure Norwich don't listen to chants after games. I have a lot of time and respect for the club.

“Our fans enjoyed this win and deservedly so.

“The last time we were here we played exceptionally well and didn't win so for us to come from behind and win was terrific.”