EX-Ipswich promotion hero James Scowcroft today declared: "The Blues have the best 11 in the First Division."The former England Under-21 international – part of the Leicester team that hit the Premiership again last May – was voted Town's player of the year at the end of their 2000 promotion campaign.

By Dave Allard

EX-Ipswich promotion hero James Scowcroft today declared: "The Blues have the best 11 in the First Division."

The former England Under-21 international – part of the Leicester team that hit the Premiership again last May – was voted Town's player of the year at the end of their 2000 promotion campaign.

The powerful Suffolk born and bred front man, who moved from Portman Road to Filbert Street two years ago in a £3million deal, said: "Ipswich may not have a squad as big as some in the division, but in my opinion they can field the best 11 players.

"I think it will be a real dogfight again at the top of the table, but I consider that Town are well capable of being right there.

"In Kelvin Davis the Town have bought a really accomplished keeper and another new signing, Georges Santos, played very well when we played his Grimsby last season. Drissa Diallo is also a good player I feel."

Scowcroft, sold by former Blues boss George Burley, is full of admiration for current Ipswich chief Joe Royle. And it's not just because he once inquired about him during the managerial spell at Manchester City.

He said: "Joe Royle has a great track record. He's proved himself before when it comes to promotion races. The club is in very safe hands."

Scowcroft, who has been in goalscoring form for Micky Adams' Leicester side in pre-season, went on: "I'm just pleased to be back in the Premiership again with Leicester.

"I really fancied Ipswich to win the play-offs last season if they'd finished in that top six. I wish Ipswich all the best. Their result is the first one I ask about after our games."

The Town players got back into training today ahead of the First Division opener on Saturday at home to Reading.

Striker Marcus Bent is still having treatment for a back strain, but will be fit. Full-back Chris Makin is improving after a thigh problem and midfield anchorman Georges Santos should have no worries shaking of a slight calf problem.

Teenage centre-half Aidan Collins will not be in contention for squad duty as he is set to have his tonsils removed today.