Strikers Leon Best and Luke Varney are set to start for the U23s in this evening’s game against Leeds United at Portman Road (KO 7pm).

Speaking on Saturday after the pair had made a considerable impact having been brought on as late subs in the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa, manager Mick McCarthy said the duo would be involved.

“They’re not starters yet, but you’ve seen what they can do when they get on the pitch, so they’ll both be playing in the U23s on Monday night,” McCarthy said.

“I want them really up to speed so they can start a game. Pits has been different class but I don’t think we can keep whipping him every week like that either, Saturday-Tuesday, Saturday-Tuesday.”

keeper Dean Gerken, and midfielder Andre Dozzell will also be involved, while Giles Coke may well also feature as he continues his comeback from the knee operation he underwent at the end of last season.

Admission is free for all season ticket holders or costs £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.

Photo: TWTD

BlueMachines added 11:33 - Sep 19 Excellent, get them some game time then MM will have no excuse to not play them
2

Currie10 added 11:47 - Sep 19 If we're going to stick with this system, we simply HAVE to play Best ultimately for it to have a chance of working. Certainly isn't Pitman's game and this was apparent Saturday.
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midastouch added 11:58 - Sep 19 I'm more sold on Best, not quite so sure about Varney, but the signs certainly were encouraging on Sat as we seemed to pose much more of a threat when they came together on at the end.
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rexron added 12:05 - Sep 19 Pitman doesnt fit in a 4-3-3. Should play 4-4-2 till McG comes back.
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Cookycrew added 12:20 - Sep 19 McCarthy may have (yet again) got a real bargain in getting a player on a Free (This time Leon Best). Hopefully as both Best /Varney get more match-fit, then next time bring them both on with 30 mins to go - not just the last 10 mins please.
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TractorCam added 12:55 - Sep 19 "Pits has been different class" Says Mick for the 10th time this season
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McGoaldrick added 12:56 - Sep 19 I'm around in Ipswich tonight, does anyone know if this game is at portman road, how much will tickets be? Will they be available at the gate before kick off?
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PhilTWTD added 13:03 - Sep 19 Yes, Portman Road, entry on the door.
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BrettenhamBlue added 13:32 - Sep 19 He never says "Coke is a different class".
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unknown100 added 14:18 - Sep 19 I really think, if we are planning on playing a long ball style then these 2 lads are the ones who should be up front, it's not pretty but they were so effective when they came on, winning dangerous free kicks, winning flick ins, they are handfuls, Lawrence looks decent as well but I think 442 is for us now we have wingers, just needs to decide his starting 11 which I think is hard... Someone will have to loose out

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bluefeast added 14:33 - Sep 19 Good players we have in the squad now , its up to Mick to pick a winning formation and team ,which he did not do on Saturday ,he went for safety first ,which at home vs a side who are new , new to the division and with a new manager was absolutely shocking. Had the subs been made with 20 mins left then we may of got something as the havoc caused by varney and best was there for all to see. The tactical side of the game and game management is not MMs strength. See the thing is ,if villa had scored with 20 mins left then barney and best would of been on far earlier. Thats why amongst other reasons too ,I've lost all faith. It the beginning of the season and safe and sterile is over us. Look at huddersfield ,Brighton , to name but two , they go for it game in game out. Why can't we…...

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theipswichman added 14:45 - Sep 19 I think part of the reason varney and best were so effective was because of the time in the game they came on, lot of energy and two big hard working guys against tired legs and they couldn't handle it, would they have the same effect if they were brought on 10 minutes earlier? who knows. Varney has been pleasantly surprising, looks like much more of a handful and winning a few free kicks when he came on Saturday as well perhaps he could have more of an impact than we first thought.

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