Dean looking to stake a claim between the sticks as he aims to make home debut for Town tomorrow

Dean Gerken admits he is excited to step out at Portman Road tomorrow, if selected, after waiting patiently for his chance in the first-team.

The ‘keeper, who joined the Blues on a free transfer in the summer, made his first-team bow at St Andrew’s last time out as Town drew 1-1 with Birmingham.

“I’m looking forward to playing in front of our home fans, if selected of course,” Dean told the Club’s official YouTube channel.

“When I got the nod to play last week I was a little bit disappointed it wasn’t at Portman Road, as it’s a ground I’ve always loved to play at as an opposition player.

“I’ve waited patiently for my chance and I’ve been working really hard with Scott (Loach) and Mally (Webster, goalkeeper coach).

“There’s only one position so both of us know how hard it is to get in. We are pushing each other all the way and supporting whoever has the shirt.

“Scott’s a great guy and we get on well, so there’s no bitterness about who is playing, we are supportive of one another.”

Team news

Mick McCarthy will again be without the services of defender Tyrone Mings, with the former Chippenham left-back still ruled out with the knee ligament injury he picked up against Reading on the opening day of the season.

Tony Mowbray could include new signings Jacob Butterfield and Kei Kamara in his matchday squad, with both former Norwich men completing permanent moves to the Riverside last week. Midfielder Jozsef Varga is a doubt after picking up a knock whilst on international duty with Hungary, but defenders Justin Hoyte and Frazer Richardson should both be fit. Long-serving full-back Stuart Parnaby is almost certainly going to be ruled out through injury though.

Where they finished last season

Town- 14^th
Middlesbrough- 16^th

Where they currently stand

Town- 16^th
Middlesbrough- 15^th

Foot in both camps

Grant Leadbitter. The former Town skipper returns to Portman Road for the second time since leaving Suffolk for Middlesbrough. The midfielder failed to make an impact in this fixture last term, as the Blues ran out 4-0 winners in a convincing display, although the Blue Army should know about the qualities Grant possesses on his day. Provides energy from the midfield, with an eye for a killer pass, Grant also likes to shoot from range as shown in this clip where he fired in two quick goals for Town against Hull.

Match Officials

Referee: James Linington
Assistants: Carl Brook and Dave Bushell
Fourth Official: Michael Bull

Live commentary of the game is available on Ipswich Player, with live match updates being provided by the Town media team on our official Twitter and Facebook pages.