Boss Roy Keane says one or two younger members of the squad could get a run out between now and the end of the season. Central defender Tom Eastman (pictured) was in the squad for Monday’s game at Derby and is the most likely debutant in 2009/10’s final weeks.

Keane told the club site: "Tom has done well for the reserves and will benefit from being involved in the first team squad.

"I might give one or two younger players an opportunity. It's important for any club to see young players coming through, but it doesn't suit me being too clever.

"Ultimately I want to win games. Our supporters have not seen enough of that this season, so as much as I want to give players a run out, we need to win football matches."

Midfielder Luke Hyam has also received praise from Keane during recent press conferences, while Tommy Smith may also be involved in the final four games as he prepares for this summer’s World Cup with New Zealand.

Photo: Action Images

mightytown added 17:51 - Apr 6 sounds good
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MightyPaz added 18:01 - Apr 6 Nice one Royston
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NW5Tractor added 18:13 - Apr 6 saw this lad against arsenal u18s a month or two ago and he stood out a mile
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jas0999 added 18:52 - Apr 6 Good idea - however if they are selected and we lose no doubt there will be calls of 'Roy Out'. Still, I would like to see the youngsters given a debut and as such will have to accept the result MAY NOT be too good.
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ThatMuhrenCross added 19:06 - Apr 6 Wouldn't mind seeing Connor Wickham and Ronan Murray starting a game together in the near future. Although Murray maybe doesnt set the world alight, he always gets goals - which is crucial.
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Mark added 19:16 - Apr 6 Now we are safe we might as well give these youngsters a chance, maybe not at Nottingham Forest or Newcastle, but certainly at home to Doncaster and Sheffield Utd. I am sure the fans would support this regardless of the result. Results are not everything, there is also a lot of satisfaction to be had from seeing the promising debut of a youngster as it gives as heart for the future. There is arguably little point in playing the loan players any more now, as we know what they can do (or can't do in the case of D.Healy!).

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g0ddard added 20:38 - Apr 6 we may never see conougo play again for town in my opinion
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Mungo added 21:02 - Apr 6 Good. Nothing at all left to play for really so might as well encourage some of the younger players in the appropriate circumstances.
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Mossy added 21:52 - Apr 6 It will be great to see the likes of Eastman and Hyam in the first team. If Wickham is anything to show, our future looks bright with the crop of youngsters coming through. I hope they shine and, slowly blood them in next year. It's sink or swim for them.
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tommyblue added 23:29 - Apr 6 always good to hear
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bennyblue added 06:07 - Apr 7 wins wins wins roy dont start messing it up again injuries and suspensions will give them chances
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 07:21 - Apr 7 Yes, let's get in the youngsters! It's the ITFC way, and (no offence to Sunderland) we could do with the feel-good factor a bit of home-grown talent back in the team would bring. It's not normally ethical to field a "weakened " team at a crucial part of the season, but the fate of the four teams we still have to meet is sealed: Forest are in the play-offs, but not top two; Newcastle are promoted; and Doncaster and Sheff. Utd. have blown it. So let's see what Eastman, Murray et al. can do.

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SomershamBlue added 08:18 - Apr 7 We all want wins, but the only way to bring on the youngsters is to play them. Completely pointless to rely on them getting their chances due to injuries and suspensions - which may not come at the right time for youngsters to be used.
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nobrain added 08:21 - Apr 7 Good idea - fielding youngsters in a sign of confidence in the future.
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Billy_Whizz added 08:35 - Apr 7 We always field a few youngsters in the last few games so why not - I imagine he'll use the Sheff Utd game to give a few one last hoorah too (R Wright/Garvan etc)
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newburyblue added 09:21 - Apr 7 We might as well. We're effectively safe and we're not going to reach the playoffs, therefore nothing much to lose. Keane needs to drop straight away those loanees that have no chance of coming back next year (which in fairness to him maybe why Rosenior finds himself out of the team). Loanees are great if they help you acheive something (promotion or avoiding relegation) but if they're not going to be around next season then whats the point in playing them in effectively meaningless games...

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ITFC_james added 11:40 - Apr 7 Is Devann Yao eligible to play? wouldn't mind seeing him have a run out, haven't seen him play but people say he's got some pace, one of the things our team lacks.
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tractorgirl2 added 12:22 - Apr 7 would be nice to see some youngster get in the team, nothing to play for now as said will probaly be a home game so lets get behind them if they do!!
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Billy_Whizz added 12:33 - Apr 7 Yao can't even make the reserves so no chance of a first team outing!
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devontractorboy added 15:57 - Apr 7 Eastman looks a good prospect and I have admired Tommy Smith for years, it will be nice to see if any youngsters can 'step up to the plate' in true Ipswich style. Nothing to play for now so I promise not to moan about Keane if he puts them in!!
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jamesy_itfc_keano added 16:07 - Apr 7 Come on Keano .. put the young guns in and lets see where it leads us .. it will put us in good stead fro next season. I definatly want to see Wickham play ever minuite until the end of the season now ! COYB ! Just hope if keane does put them out people dont moan and start asking for 'Keane out' again.
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Markie31 added 16:48 - Apr 7 I think/hope its safe to say we've secured our championship status.....so why not let the youngsters play a bit!....Eastman sounds like a good prospect, not seen him play so I look forward to it!
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KeanoBlindFaith added 18:35 - Apr 7 Good luck to you young'uns if they get a run out. Would rather play our strongest team and try and finish as high as we could though............
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MAVERICK added 18:53 - Apr 7 Agree with KeanoBlindFaith.......
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jamesy_itfc_keano added 23:29 - Apr 7 Im agreeing with you night KeanoBlindFaith .. but would be nice to see a few of them .. let them get some experience ready for next season.
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