Finidi to be a closely marked man
NEW TOWN wing sensation Finidi George is going to be a marked man from now on, beginning against Charlton.
By DAVE ALLARD
NEW TOWN wing sensation Finidi George is going to be a marked man from now on, beginning against Charlton Athletic at Portman Road tomorrow.
The 30-year-old Nigerian scored two goals on his home debut in the 3-1 win over Derby on Tuesday night and boss George Burley said it was one of the best wing displays he had ever seen.
The £3.1 million signing from Real Mallorca gained an Opta Index score of 3,347 points. This was comfortably the highest tally in an individual match by any player so far this season.
"The figures show what a terrific game Finidi had," said Burley who continued: "Charlton boss Alan Curbishley was at the game. He will no doubt have a plan worked out to try and cope with him. The idea will be to try and stop Finidi."
Charlton, who lost at home 2-1 to Everton last Saturday in their only game so far, consolidated well last season after promotion.
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Burley's side beat the South Londoner's 2-0 at home last November but lost 2-1 at the Valley in late April.
"We played well that night and deserved more than we got. Alan Curbishley has put a good side together, but hopefully we can play well and get the right result this time," said the Blues boss.
Midfield man Jim Magilton is back in contention for the match after missing the two opening games with a groin injury.
But central defender John McGreal is still ruled out with hamstring problem.
Full-back Fabian Wilnis, who went off with a hamstring injury after coming on against Derby, is a certain non-starter.
Midfielder and skipper Matt Holland and central defender Titus Bramble picked up injuries against Derby.
Holland is training again after his shin problem. Bramble did not train yesterday due to a sore ankle. But he too should be fit.
Still missing are keeper Andy Marshall (back), centre-half Mark Venus (ribs) and full-back Gary Croft (groin).
Ipswich hope the new loanee midfield man from Inter Milan, Sixto Peralta, will have his clearance through in time to be included in the squad.
Charlton will be without the midfield pair of Claus Jensen and Mark Kinsella due to injury.
Central defender Richard Rufus returns from suspension.
The squads
IPSWICH: Sereni, Makin, Clapham, Hreidarsson, Bramble, Brown, Wright, Holland, George, Reuser, Magilton, Counago, Armstrong, Stewart, Naylor, Peralta, Bent, Branagan.
CHARLTON: Kiely, Brown, Powell, Fish, Stuart, Rufus, Todd, Parker, Young, Peacock, Fortune, Salako, Lisbie, Johansson, Bartlett, Konchesky, Ilic.
