IPSWICH Town's goalkeeping coach Malcolm Webster's duties are not just confined to keeping the ball out of the net.Nineteen-year-old striker Darren Bent runs out at Molineux tonight seeking to add to a run that has brought him ten goals in his previous nine games.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town's goalkeeping coach Malcolm Webster's duties are not just confined to keeping the ball out of the net.

Nineteen-year-old striker Darren Bent runs out at Molineux tonight seeking to add to a run that has brought him ten goals in his previous nine games.

Teenage sensation Bent gives much of the credit to Webster, who spends his time working with Andy Marshall and James Pullen.

"Malcolm stays behind after training and works with me," said Bent. "He shows me how to fool goalkeepers, how to put them on the wrong foot before shooting.

"This paid off for me on Sunday when I was running through at Robert Green. I was able to commit Robert to go one way and then slide the ball into the other corner of the goal."

Bent had been told how magnificent it would feel to score in a local derby against Norwich. He added: "I was expecting to feel good, but the realisation was much better than the anticipation.

"It was the first time in my career that I have taken off my shirt after scoring. This showed how ecstatic I felt.

"I missed a penalty in the home match against Norwich on September 15 and still feel disappointed about that. Pablo Counago eventually scored before the ball was cleared, but it has been worrying me.

"Now I can put that behind me. The three points have given us confidence to go on and claim another victory at Wolves – and if so we will be right back in the play-off hunt."

Bent was happy playing up front with his best mate Darren Ambrose at Carrow Road and he is certain the fellow 19-year-old will be fit enough to continue the partnership tonight.

"Darren is a strong lad and I am sure he will be there," added Bent, who revealed Ambrose was sick on the pitch after being fouled by Craig Fleming.

"Darren had not felt well on Saturday night and was sick. He sacrificed his own well-being to play, such is his passion for the club.

"When he was receiving treatment after that horrific challenge he threw up a couple more times. It was his birthday last week and I still owe him a goal. Hopefully it will be tonight or at home to Stoke on Saturday."

Bent's passion for the game – and for Ipswich Town – is similar to Ambrose's and he has no thoughts about moving on.

A number of top Premiership clubs have shown more than a passing interest, with Newcastle United putting in a joint derisory bid for the two Darren's last week.

"Like my mate Darren I would love to stay at Ipswich, but it may be out of our hands. Hopefully we can get our noses in front tonight, defend as a unit and hold out.

"We controlled the home match against Wolves for an hour and then let it slip. I prefer playing as the last man as I did on Sunday. This gives me scope to make runs behind the defence and into the wide channels."