MARK Noble is expected to return to Portman Road on Monday night - to kick-off a season that he hopes will see him gain a place in the England senior squad.

Elvin King

MARK Noble is expected to return to Portman Road on Monday night - to kick-off a season that he hopes will see him gain a place in the England senior squad.

The 21-year-old West Ham midfielder made 13 appearances and scored one goal while on loan with Ipswich Town from August 2006 until November 2006.

He is set to be in the Hammers side for Town's final pre-season game of the season and is looking to push on after becoming a regular member of the West Ham side and England Under-21 squad over the past 18 months.

“My main aim this season is to break into the England set up, that's what I want and hopefully I can achieve that,” said Noble.

“I want to establish myself, but I'm still learning and still growing and hopefully I can really push on this season.”

Noble has become a fans' favourite at Upton Park since forcing his way into Alan Curbishley's team at the tail end of the 2006/07 season.

Last term he was hit with a series of niggling injuries and was forced to undergo a hernia surgery.

But he is now back to full fitness and looking forward to forming a solid central midfield partnership with England international Scott Parker.

And possible another ex-Town player Kieron Dyer, who is getting back to fitness after a broken leg and hopes to take part on Monday.

England's Under-21's take on Portugal in a European Championship qualifier at Wembley on Friday, September 5, and Nolan is desperate to take part.

“We've got a qualifier coming up against Portugal, which is a big game and it's at Wembley which is even better,” he added.

“I've not played at the new stadium although I played at the old one for my district and my school, but this will be a whole new experience and I can't wait.”