JIM Magilton today said he has made a move for Celtic ace Bobo Balde and would consider making him the new Blues skipper.

Derek Davis

JIM Magilton today said he has made a move for Celtic ace Bobo Balde and would consider making him the new Blues skipper.

The French born centre half would be a free agent and would have hefty wage demands but the Blues boss is confident a deal could be struck.

Magilton said: “Bobo has been made available by Celtic and we would like a conversation with him.

“If we can get him down and have a chat then we would like to, but it would be down to him and his advisors.

“I know Birmingham are very interested, but we have shown our interest so if we can get him here for a chat then you never know.”

Although Gareth McAuley once again wore the captain's armband at thee start of Town's 3-2 win at Brighton last night, Magilton admitted he could still hand the honour full-time to any new signing, with Guinea international Balde an experienced campaigner.

Magilton said: “I have not made up my mind yet. Gareth has had that experience and responds well. David Wright and Alan Lee and Alex Bruce have also had that experience.

“Between now and next Saturday we may recruit someone who I may feel can lead the team but Gareth is in prime position because he has had it the most.

“I will not make that judgement call until a week or so.”

While the move for Ben Thatcher is still ongoing, Magilton admitted his interest in Czech Republic international Rudi Skácel is over.

He said: “The Skácel deal is dead, absolutely dead.”

New signing apart, Magilton knows who will kick off the new season against Preston a week on Saturday.

He said: “I have picked my team for Preston and I'm confident we can go into that game and win, as I would be confident about every home game.

“Bar whatever happens on Monday I feel we are ready, the fitness levels are good.

“Ireland was a tough week, Saturday against West Brom, and again against Brighton last night, was a tough examination, but they have come through it w ell.

“We made lots of changes, so everyone had a go, now we look forward to Monday.

“We will rest today, train Thursday and Friday and get ready on Saturday and Sunday for Monday night before the big kick off.”

Chris Kiwomya takes a blend of youth and experienced Blues players to Braintree Town tonight as the Ipswich Town second XI continue their pre-season.