WHEN the gun fires for the start of the 2004/05 season, Ipswich Town must be out of the traps like a shot. So says 19-year-old left-sided player Matt Richards, who became a permanent fixture in the Ipswich side last season.

By Elvin King

WHEN the gun fires for the start of the 2004/05 season, Ipswich Town must be out of the traps like a shot. So says 19-year-old left-sided player Matt Richards, who became a permanent fixture in the Ipswich side last season.

Richards missed training yesterday with sore knees but expects to be in contention for a place tomorrow night when manager Joe Royle selects what is expected to be his strongest side for their friendly against Aalborg in Denmark.

And Richards wants to see an improvement on Town's display following a mediocre showing in the 0-0 draw with Randers on Tuesday night.

Richards said: “Against Randers it was a case of improving the fitness of the squad as we continue our way towards the first league match of the season.

“The match tomorrow night will be much harder as Aalborg are established in the forefront of Danish football.”

FULL STORY IN TONIGHT'S EVENING STAR