EXCITING young Irish striker Vinny Faherty will lead the Blues attack this afternoon against Luton Town Reserves, weather permitting.Town's second-string match, originally scheduled for Portman Road at 2pm has been switched to the Playford Road training ground as the main pitch is unplayable.

By Derek Davis

EXCITING young Irish striker Vinny Faherty will lead the Blues attack this afternoon against Luton Town Reserves, weather permitting.

Town's second-string match, originally scheduled for Portman Road at 2pm has been switched to the Playford Road training ground as the main pitch is unplayable.

The incessant rain unfortunately forced Ipswich Town's two-day trip to Five Lakes, Hotel, Golf and Country Club to be scrapped as the training facilities and two golf courses were waterlogged, leaving the players to dub the complex Six Lakes.

Instead the squad practised on the pitches at Playford Road, with set-plays included.

If today's game gets the go-ahead then Town fans will be able to see Faherty, who is on trial from Eircom Under-21 League winners Salthill Devon, a team in Galway that Alan Lee's dad Harry used to play for.

Faherty, 19, impressed when scoring two goals in a 3-1 friendly win over Millwall's reserves in a behind-closed-doors game last month and was invited back.

Bryan Klug, Blues first team coach, said last night: “Vinny did enough last time round to warrant another look and he is in the side.”

Town's young striking protégés Jordan Rhodes and Kieron Leabon are also in the squad, along with midfielder Jai Reason and Ed Upson while Sito Castro and Shane Supple bring first team experience.

With Woodbridge Town playing tonight Joe Francis is not involved but Klug revealed the 21-year-old striker is making good progress.

He said: “Joe is training regularly with us and doing well and we are still assessing him.”

Northern Ireland Under-21 international Chris Casement will also figure as he continues to push for a first team spot.

While Jason De Vos is hopeful of playing against Watford in the FA Cup this weekend the Blues won't be rushed into bringing him back and may decide this weekend is too soon, and the home game against Wolves next Tuesday a more realistic target.

Richard Naylor is still struggling with a sore toe and remains a doubt for Vicarage Road but will be tested later in the week.