Thomas Gaardsoe is determined to repay the faith shown in him by new Ipswich Town boss Joe Royle.

The centre-half has flourished since the manager took over at Portman Road, culminating with his best performance in a Blues shirt at Sheffield United on Saturday.

Now Gaardsoe has his sights set on another night of European glory for Town, when they travel to the Czech Republic for tonight's UEFA Cup tie at Slovan Liberec.

And he told the Evening Gazette: "More than anything this season, I want to repay the early faith shown in me by my manager.

"He's picked me for the team, said nice things about me in public and generally made me feel very confident and important.

"My aim is to prove he's making the right choice and show I'm the right man for the job."

Gaardsoe was part of a three-man defensive rearguard in the 0-0 draw with the Blades, a formation he hopes gets used again against Liberec.

Published Thursday November 14, 2002

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