Ipswich Town are gearing-up for their final pre-season friendly of the summer when they tackle Spanish side Osasuna.

The Blues have enjoyed a successful summer campaign, having beaten Premiership sides Crystal Palace and then Newcastle last Wednesday.

Now they face their traditional match against European opposition, which will take place at Portman Road tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

Town boss Joe Royle, whose side begin their Coca-Cola Championship season against Gillingham on Saturday, is expecting a tough match against the Spaniards.

He said: "Osasuna will give us a good test and, being continental, will provide us with a different challenge from Palace and Newcastle.

"It's our last match before the serious stuff starts and we have certainly taken some positive things out of the two recent friendlies at Portman Road.

"We will be looking for further improvements tonight."

Published Monday August 2, 2004

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