Dean Bowditch is praying Ipswich Town keep hold of Darren Bent when the transfer window reopens in January.

The teenage striker knows his own first-team chances would receive a boost if Bent was snapped-up by a Premiership club.

But he appreciates the England Under-21 star's value to the promotion cause at Portman Road just as he proved by scoring in Saturday's 1-0 Coca-Cola Championship success against Leeds United.

And Braintree-based Bowditch, a second-half substitute, told the Gazette: "I'd hate to see Darren leave in January. I've known him for years and he's a fantastic guy to play alongside.

"We're on exactly the same wavelength and both of us know what the other's going to do. Darren's going to get better and better and I've got no doubts he can play at the top level one day.

"But, from our point of view, I hope he stays, even if it would affect my chances of playing.

"He's a very important player for us and, with promotion in mind, I really feel we need to keep him."

Published Tuesday, November 16, 2004

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