Ipswich finished their jolly in Cyprus with a decent win over Russian Premier League team Alania Vladikavkaz. The charity match gave the squad a useful workout, and provided some insight to the team that Burley will play against Southampton...

Ipswich beat Alania Vladikavkaz 2-1, the Ipswich goals coming from Finidi George and Pablo Counago, while the Russian team scored a last minute penalty consolation goal. The real 'winner' was The Army Benevolent Fund, who will receive the match proceeds.

As expected, Burley experimented with central defence, and played Hreidarsson in the middle alongside the recalled Bramble. The duo rarely looked in trouble, and I'd say it is a safe bet to predict these two will line up together against Southampton.

Fresh from his return from the African Nations Cup, Finidi was thrown straight into the first team, and the Nigerian did enough to suggest he is ripe and ready for Premier League action. He scored a goal, but more importantly was a constant threat down the wing.

Marcus Bent surprisingly didn't start, and Pablo Counago, whose recent impressive reserve performances obviously hadn't gone unnoticed by Burley, played alongside Marcus Stewart. And the Spaniard gave his manager further food for thought, by scoring Town's second goal from close range.

Stewart hit the post, and Reuser, after replacing Wright, hammered the bar. Alania Vladikavkaz scored a late penalty, but overall it was a more than comfortable victory for the Blues.

Looking ahead to the Southampton game, it's midfield where Burley has the most choice, and hardest decisions to make. I have a feeling Finidi will walk straight back in the team, and Reuser may also have persuaded him he deserves a start. That will be hard on Wright, and the improving Magilton. I also reckon Counago may see some action soon, probably from the bench. He's looking sharper all the time, and the other strikers will have to be on their toes.

From The Terrace

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