“Got it all” - Ipswich Town youngster tipped to force way into Kieran McKenna’s plans | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Ipswich Town have enjoyed a memorable season, as they push to make it back-to-back promotions by reaching the Premier League.

Ipswich Town’s remarkable rise

The rise under Kieran McKenna has been incredible, with the former Manchester United coach having inherited a side that appeared stuck in League One. Yet, they are now potentially weeks away from being a top-flight club once more.

What makes the improvement all the more impressive is that McKenna has largely stuck faith in the players who helped them out of the third tier.

Ipswich Town’s academy

Of course, the priority for all clubs is results for the here and now, but, like the rest, the Tractor Boys will want players to come through the academy to make a mark on the first-team.

But, the better they get, the harder it becomes for those younger lads to reach the level required.

Elkan Baggott tipped to make Ipswich Town impact

Nevertheless, there are some exciting talents coming through the ranks, and Ipswich fan pundit Henry believes that Elkan Baggott is someone who has the talent to force his way into McKenna’s plans.

“I would say Elkan Baggott. He’s a left-footed centre-back, 6ft 5, excellent on the ball.

“He’s currently on loan in League One with Bristol Rovers, getting that first-team experience, so I really think he would be able to fit in quite easily and quite comfortably into the Ipswich side over the next 2-3 years.

“His ability on the ball and his height really lends itself to the modern style of football. Defensively he’s strong, he’s got a turn of pace. It seems like he’s got it all, he just needs some more experience at the moment.

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Elkan Baggott’s career so far

The 21-year-old was born in Thailand before moving to England as a youngster, and his footballing ability saw Ipswich bring Baggott to the club as a teenager.

Since then, the defender has had to go out on loan to get regular minutes, and he’s had spells at King’s Lynn, Gillingham, Cheltenham Town and, most recently, Bristol Rovers, who he joined in February.

Baggott had enjoyed a very positive start with the Gas, impressing for Matt Taylor’s side with both his defensive instincts and his composure. But, his last outing was a tough one, as they lost 5-0 to Lincoln City, with an injury forcing him out the past two games.

Pleasingly for the player though, he is closing in on a return, and he will hope to make some more appearances during the run-in.

Baggott has also won 24 caps for Indonesia, which includes representing his country earlier this year at the Asian Cup.

So, he certainly has a lot of experience for a 21-year-old, and it will be interesting to see what happens with Baggott when he comes back to Portman Road this summer, and then what’s seen as the best next step for his development.