DAN Harding today gave the thumbs-up to new signing Velice Sumulikoski.Back in the team for last night's 0-0 home draw with Plymouth at Portman Road, Harding said:“He has looked excellent in training and showed up very well in a practice match - scoring a fantastic goal.

Elvin King

DAN Harding today gave the thumbs-up to new signing Velice Sumulikoski.

Back in the team for last night's 0-0 home draw with Plymouth at Portman Road, Harding said:

“He has looked excellent in training and showed up very well in a practice match - scoring a fantastic goal.”

And Harding also welcomed the transfer window signing of Alan Quinn and the possible capture of David Norris over the next couple of days.

He added: “It will keep us all on our toes.

“Every day that we go into training we will have to be at our best.

“There will be no place in the team that will be automatic.

“If you don't shape up then you won't have a game.

“This is better for the club as we now have options all over the pitch.

“This week places in the team were left open by the gaffer leading to a fight to be named on the team sheet.”

Harding confirmed that there had been no falling out with Magilton over a near two-month period where he at times failed to get into the squad - yet alone the team.

“Sito came in and did well, and I could have no argument with that,” said Harding.

“It was a case of working hard, and thanks to work with fitness coach Simon Thadani and the coaches I feel I am a better player now than I was when I was dropped in early December.”

Harding was penalised for handling the ball to concede a second half penalty last night.

He explained: “I landed on the ball and was disappointed when a spot kick was given.

“And it has to be a big thanks to Neil Alexander for pulling off yet another fine penalty save.

“I always felt we would score as we have players up front who have been putting the chances away regularly. But it just did not come.”