SIR Bobby Robson has always been a fine judge of a good footballer.And the Ipswich Town president and former manager today predicted a big future in the game for 22-year-old Gary Roberts.

By Elvin King

SIR Bobby Robson has always been a fine judge of a good footballer.

And the Ipswich Town president and former manager today predicted a big future in the game for 22-year-old Gary Roberts.

Robson, whose return to full fitness after a recent brain operation was given a tonic by Town's 3-1 success over Norwich City at Portman Road yesterday, had special praise for the Accrington loanee.

“It was a fully deserved Ipswich derby victory,” said Robson, who was applauded as he left the ground with wife Elsie.

Danny Haynes was the fans' hero with two late goals after coming on as substitute, but Robson added: “My man of the match was Roberts.

“He spelt danger every time he had the ball and Norwich could not get him under control.

“The lad can play and I was very impressed.“

Robson, who was taken ill when watching Ipswich's opening game of the season against Crystal Palace and was subsequently found to be suffering from a brain tumour, also picked out Matthew Bates and Alex Bruce for some special praise.

“Bates was sound, while Bruce was strong from beginning to end, and if Ipswich play like that they should have no problems.

“They can move up to the higher echelons of the Championships, and who knows where they could from there.

“It was a very good result and at the right time.

“Every Ipswich player worked so hard.

“I may be biased but I thoroughly enjoyed the victory.”

After leaving Ipswich in 1983, Robson went on to manage England and then have further success on the continent in club football before returning to manage Newcastle in his native north east.

Now aged 73 he is involved with the Republic of Ireland set-up and was in Dublin last week for the win over San Marino.