IPSWICH Town skipper Jason De Vos today predicted a bright future for 19-year-old midfielder Liam Trotter.The former Northgate School pupil made his full debut at Sheffield United on Tuesday, and scored his first senior goal in the 3-1 home victory over Colchester United on October 23.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town skipper Jason De Vos today predicted a bright future for 19-year-old midfielder Liam Trotter.

The former Northgate School pupil made his full debut at Sheffield United on Tuesday, and scored his first senior goal in the 3-1 home victory over Colchester United on October 23.

He is in the squad for tomorrow's home game against Bristol City (kick-off 3pm) when the Blues will be seeking their 11th straight home victory.

The latest in a long line of youngsters who have had their football careers developed at the Ipswich Town Academy, Trotter was unlucky to concede a penalty at Bramall Lane when Nick Montgomery brushed against him as he went by.

De Vos has no doubts about Trotter making the grade. He said: “Liam has every chance of reaching the top.

“He has size, strength and is comfortable on the ball. He also likes to get forward.

“His manager and coaches believe in him, and he could not be at a better club to advance.

“Our senior players would knock him back if he got too big for his boots, but I am confident this will not happen to Liam.

“He has a good family around him and everything is in place for Liam to make a big impact on the game.”

And Dan Harding, who has been an ever present this season and seen his career blossom since his summer of 2006 move from Leeds United, is in no doubt that Ipswich was the right place to come.

“It is a brilliant club for anybody wanting to get on in the game,” said Harding.

“The manager and coaches are available for extra sessions, and although I am happy with my form I am always looking to improve.”

Town face a Bristol City side that are third in the table and surprised many since they finished second in League One last season.

They have lost just twice in the league - away at Barnsley and at home to Charlton in midweek.

Manager Gary Johnson began his managerial career at Ridgeons League Newmarket Town before joining Cambridge United as reserve team boss in 1988.

He moved on to manage Kettering, Latvia and Yeovil before taking over at Ashton Gate.

Johnson's main summer signing was striker Lee Trundle, 31, who made the switch from Swansea in the summer. He has scored twice in six appearances for City. Winger Kevin Betsy has returned to City after a one-month loan with Yeovil.

Tomorrow's likely squads

Ipswich Town: Alexander, Wright, Bruce, Wilnis, De Vos, Harding, Walters, Miller, Garvan, Clarke, Legwinski, Trotter, Peters, Haynes, Roberts, Counago, Lee, Naylor, Casement, Bowditch, Supple.

Bristol City: Basso, Orr, Carey, Fontaine, McAllister, Sproule, Johnson, Elliott, McIndoe, Byfield, Trundle, Henderson, McCombe, Noble, Murray, Skuse, Betsy, Showunmi.

Referee: Mr N Miller (Durham).