Boss Roy Keane has challenged his players to win themselves a place in his first team for the opening game of the season against Middlesbrough when the Blues face Premier League West Ham and a Spurs XI next week. Before then, Town play friendlies against Leiston and Bury Town, which Keane says will be more about fitness.

The Town manager told the club site: "Middlesbrough away is the real business for us, but we'll be looking to go into that game with decent performances against West Ham and Tottenham.

"The games we have had in pre-season so far, and it will be the same this week, are about the fitness levels and getting time on the pitch for the players.

"We're getting closer to the start of the season now though, and there will be players looking to perform well against West Ham and Spurs and book their place in the team for the start of the season.

"They are the two important games for us and we'll be looking for a bit more from the matches than just the fitness side."

Town will play two different sides in Tuesday’s game at Leiston and Wednesday’s match at Bury Town (both 7.45pm), before the West Ham match at Portman Road on Saturday (3pm) and the friendly against a Tottenham XI three days later (7.45pm).

Story syndicated from TWTD.co.uk

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