SITO Castro has thanked new boss Jim Magilton for boosting his confidence and dedicated his first goal in English football to the manager.The Spamiard was told by former manager Joe Royle that he could find another club and was placed on the transfer list.

By Derek Davis

SITO Castro has thanked new boss Jim Magilton for boosting his confidence and dedicated his first goal in English football to the manager.

The Spamiard was told by former manager Joe Royle that he could find another club and was placed on the transfer list.

But Sito, who still has another year left on his current contract, has been told by Magilton that he wants him to stay.

That has lifted Sito, who has settled well into Ipswich Town and the area and bought a new house before being told he was being listed.

He said: “I was very sad when Joe Royle told me I could go and put my name on the list. I was low through the summer but trained hard.

“Then Jim phoned me and said he wanted me and that has made me so happy. It really gave me a lift and I have come back with renewed vigour.” Sito netted the second and decisive goal in Town's 2-0 win in Galway last night with a spectacular 20-yard dipping volley, after Nicky Forster had opened the scoring after just four minutes.

He said: “I was perhaps a little fortunate that it went in but I hit it well and I'm really pleased.

“It was only my second-ever goal, and my first in England. The lads have been telling me to try more shots and Jim has been encouraging me too so that was down to him. Now I hope I can go into the season and score my first English league goal, if I'm in the team.”

Magilton said: “Sito has come back very fit and has been excellent in training. We tried him at left-back and he slotted straight in and looked very comfortable and deserved his goal.”

French trialist Alex Bertin impressed enough to be given another week and is expected to travel to Belgium next week for the three-game trip, starting against Martijn Reuser's old club Willem II in Holland, with the Blues' old favourite attending the match in Tilburg.