Local pride will be at stake when East Anglian rivals Colchester United and Ipswich Town do battle at Layer Road tonight (Friday).

The pre-season clash - which is set to draw a crowd of 3,500 - sees the return of Town manager and former U's boss George Burley.

And the fact so many U's stars- including Gavin Johnson, David Gregory, Jason Dozzell and Mick Stockwell - once plied their trade at Portman Road adds extra spice to the occasion.

Manager Steve Whitton and his assistant Geraint Williams also played for Ipswich in the early 1990s while striker Steve McGavin started his career as an apprentice with Town.

The U's boss will be without former Ipswich team-mate Dozzell who is struggling to shake off an ankle injury.

Ross Johnson (ankle), Andy Arnott (broken arm) and Lee Kersey (broken hand) will also watch from the sidelines.

Whitton said: "We spent yesterday working on the shape of our team and generally preparing for the match.

"It's sure to be a very tough game because I've seen the squad Ipswich are sending and it's a very strong one."

James Scowcroft (hamstring), John Scales (groin), Jamie Clapham (hamstring), Jermaine Wright (knee), John McGreal (ankle) and Mark Venus (ankle) will be missing from the Ipswich ranks after picking up knocks on Town's pre-season tour of the Baltics.

But striker David Johnson, who was forced to sit out the final match against Latvia's FC Riga after injuring his groin, is available for selection.

Town boss Burley said: "We won't be risking anyone's fitness by rushing them back. At this stage it's all about getting the wheels in motion and giving the lads a test because I'm sure Colchester will be geed up to win."

The Town chief is expecting a fiery reception from some U's fans - many of whom have an axe to grind following his sudden departure from Layer Road in December 1995.

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