Stephens wins second chance to impress Ipswich Town

BEN Stephens has earned another chance to secure a contract with Ipswich Town.

Blues boss Mick McCarthy was encouraged by the Stratford Town forward's performance when on trial for the club’s under-23 side at Colchester United last Monday.

Ipswich are keen to see more of Town’s top scorer and the 20-year-old will start this Monday’s Premier League Cup clash at Aston Villa.

“He’s playing on Monday,” said McCarthy.

“He did alright, especially as he played on the Saturday as well. He came in and the pitch wasn’t great at Colchester and I’m sure they won’t mind me saying that.

“It was heavy and he played on Saturday. I think to give him a chance, he’s up in the Midlands anyway, he can play on Monday and see how well he does.”

Stephens was not named in the Town squad that travelled to Dunstable on Saturday.