IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton today said he has not lost his faith in £2million January signing David Norris.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton today said he has not lost his faith in £2million January signing David Norris.

“I am looking for David to step up and know he has what it takes to play at a higher level,” said the Blues boss.

Norris failed to find his best form with Town before damaging his right heel that put a premature end to his 2007/08 season.

After undergoing an operation he picked a new injury around the same heel in the first pre-season friendly of the summer - and is expected to be out of contention for a first team place for at least another fortnight.

Reflecting on his signings since he took over the hot seat at Portman Road, Magilton revealed that Norris and current team captain Gareth McAuley were on his shopping list from day one in the job.

“I wanted them both and feel they are great assets for the club. Like David, Gareth has the capability to really push on.

“He can become a big player with us - and Northern Ireland although he still has lots to prove.

“Veliche Shumulikoski is proving a very good buy and Alan Quinn is another good signing.

“Alex Bruce and Dan Harding were free signings who have done very good jobs for us.”

And looking ahead to his team selection for Saturday's home Coca-Cola Championship game against Preston at Portman Road, Magilton has a defence that conceded five goals to West Ham on Monday to shore up.

He said: “Alex Bruce may play Saturday, but I am not going to make changes for changes sake.

“We had a team chat on Tuesday and to pick holes in the back four would be unfair.

“You defend as a team, and we gave the ball away cheaply for a couple of goals, and one poor clearance out of defence.

“West Ham had eight shots and scored five goals, and the calibre of our opposition was exactly right at this time.

“Tommy Smith coped well against West Brom where they had just one front man, but to play against Dean Ashton and Craig Bellamy is a different proposition.

“It is maybe a case of keeping Tommy, and Pim Balkestein, in the team.”

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