By Aston
August 7 2004

Ipswich Town captain Jim Magilton is urging the town board and manager to bring some new faces into Portman road, before towns promotion chances are damaged.

Jim: We Need New Faces

Ipswich Town captain Jim Magilton is urging the town board and manager to bring some new faces into Portman road, before towns promotion chances are damaged.

The 34 year old who will miss today’s game against Gillingham because of a tear in his thigh muscle believes that a few injuries or suspensions could cause problems due the small size of town squad.

Jim has said that: “There is no getting away from the fact we have a thin squad and that is something the manager is hoping to rectify. I'm sure through his contracts and the loans system there will be new faces here in the next couple of weeks.

“But there is no doubt if we get injuries we are going to struggle, there is no getting away from that.

“We are hoping to stay injury-free but that is not always possible. It is a long season and players are going to have a little dip in form so it would be nice to be able to bring in a fresher pair of legs – but that will depend on who the manager can bring in.

“If we can keep a fit squad of 16 and, perhaps, juggle a little we will be there or thereabouts but it would be nice if we could add a few more faces.”.

Jim added that he is pleased that Shefki Kuqi decided to stay at Portman road, saying that: “I'm pleased that someone has come out and stated that he wants to stay and fight for his place. It shows a desire to play for this club and that is a major feather in his cap as far as I'm concerned.

“He is a fantastic fella to have around the place and when he is on his game and has the bit between the teeth he can be awesome. We need that type of Shefki.

“He knows there is a lot of responsibility on him, simply due to lack of numbers. He is an experienced international who we expect to deliver, although he is someone who will put the onus on himself.”.

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