Darren Bent has a double reason for hoping Ipswich Town secure their place in next season's Premiership.

Aside from the obvious reasons for wanting his side to stay in the top flight, Bent is desperate for Ipswich to secure their status as quickly as possible.

He said: "I'd love one more stab at the first-team this season but for that to happen I think we need to be safe in the Premiership.

"Then, and probably only then, the manager might be tempted to experiment and give one or two of us younger players a chance.

"That would be fantastic, especially bearing in mind the games we've got left against the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.

"I'd love to be involved again, but I know that to stand any chance I've just got to keep playing well and scoring goals."

Bent added: "I'm lucky to have some great strikers here to look up to.

"Marcus Bent has been really helpful and I'm always watching and trying to learn from him, Marcus Stewart and Alun Armstrong."

The striker was set to lead the Blues' attack in this afternoon's FA Premier Reserve League clash at home to Coventry.

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Published Friday, March 22, 2002