John McGreal's Ipswich Town Under-21s side are competing in the EFL Trophy for the very first time (Image: Ross Halls)
John McGreal's Ipswich Town Under-21s side are competing in the EFL Trophy for the very first time (Image: Ross Halls)
Ipswich Town Under-21s boss John McGreal feels that his side are gaining vital experience by participating in the EFL Trophy.
The young Blues are competing in the competition for the very first time, just four years after the first team featured as a League One club.
They were handed a heavy defeat in their first match, losing 6-0 at Luton Town, with a game against Peterborough United to come tonight before travelling to Colchester United next month.
Town will need a result against the Posh to avoid a group-stage exit, but McGreal knows that his players will learn from facing established EFL opponents, which will serve them well in their respective careers.
“Just think where the club has come from,” McGreal said. "Not only the first team, but the academy.
“To put out a team that we think can compete at this level, against strong opposition. We've got Peterborough United, we've got Colchester United as well, it's a fantastic games programme.
“This is the top of it, because you're playing against proper professional players.
“We've got to learn from it – every day is a learning day – and there's a lot to learn.
“We really want to expose these boys to top-quality football, and we will get hurt at times, but there will also be tonnes of positives that we'll take out of this.”