Ian Westlake is confident he can become the next star to jump off Ipswich Town's conveyor-belt of young talent.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who progressed through the ranks alongside Darren Bent and Darren Ambrose, hopes to be bidding for first-team glory by the start of next year.
First, though, he knows he needs to catch the eye in the Blues reserves starting with tonight's second string clash with Chelsea at Portman Road.
Clacton-based Westlake, named in the squad for last week's UEFA Cup clash in Luxembourg against Avenir Beggen, told the Evening Gazette: "A lot seems to have happened in a short space of time.
"Things have been going very well for me but being named in the squad last week was amazing and quite a surprise.
"I didn't make the bench in the end but it was a great experience, being around and preparing with the senior players."
Westlake, who also plays water polo for Clacton along with dad Nick and brother Adrian, has grown up alongside Bent and Ambrose.
"It's really encouraging to see them both starring for the first-team," he said.
Published Wednesday August 21, 2002
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