Ipswich Town pair James Scowcroft and Titus Bramble have both signed new four-year contracts.

The fresh deals will keep them at Portman Road until June 2003 and boost the club's chances of reaching the Premiership next season.

Boss George Burley said: "I am very pleased to have signed both players. They are two of the finest young players in the country."

Scowcroft, 23, played a big part in Town's promotion bid last season while 17-year-old Bramble looked an excellent prospect in the two games he played.

Burley added: "James has shown he is one of the best young strikers and is capable of helping us achieve promotion to the Premiership.

"Titus played two superb games in the first team last season but unfortunately he missed the latter part of the season due to injury. But he is recognised as one of the most sought-after and up-and-coming 17-year-olds in the country."

Dutchman Bobby Petta has confirmed he is leaving the club. The out-of-contract Dutchman, who spoke to Burley yesterday, is likely to go abroad for free under the Bosman Ruling.

His departure will leave Town out of pocket. Last season, Barnsley offered £500,000 for the services of a player Burley got for nothing from Dutch club Feyenoord.

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