IPSWICH Town boss Jim Magilton is hoping to include the name of at least one new trialist when he announces his squad for next week's three-game tour to Belgium and Holland.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town boss Jim Magilton is hoping to include the name of at least one new trialist when he announces his squad for next week's three-game tour to Belgium and Holland.

Already certain to be in the party is tough-tackling French midfielder Alex Bertin, who has impressed in games against Boston and Galway and is expected to recover from an ankle injury.

Magilton, who returned to Portman Road last night from the trip to Ireland, will be working on his squad today. He confirmed the acquisition of Leeds United left-back Dan Harding does not depend on Town midfielder Darren Currie moving to Elland Road.

Magilton said: “Yes, I would like Dan at this club. He is someone who could do a good job for us.

“Sito Castro did very well at Galway and can play left-back. But I see him as more of a right back. And of course we would like to keep Darren.”

Young strikers Billy Clarke and Darryl Knights are pencilled in to fly to Belgium on Sunday night along with central defender Gerard Nash, who impressed Magilton in the 2-0 win at Galway having been given a reprieve by the new Town boss.

Sito, who took a knock on Wednesday, should also travel along with Matt Richards, although the

latter might not be fit to play as he recovers from an ankle knock.

Striker Alan Lee will be staying at home to work with fitness coach Simon Thadani and young defender James Krause will also stay behind with an ankle niggle.

Some of the Town players played golf in Ireland yesterday and others took part in a training session.

Magilton added: “We are now approaching more competitive games and we have to step up accordingly.

“We played well in patches against Galway and must make it count for longer while we are abroad.”

Magilton has stressed the importance captain Jason De Vos has in the new regime at Portman Road.

“It is a natural progression for him after he was my understudy,” said the former Town skipper.

“Jason will be my eyes and ears on the pitch and he is a natural leader who holds the utmost respect.

“He is the right choice, and we will be well catered for on the field.”