Richard Wright believes he has the ability and experience to keep the Premiership's best at bay this season.

The Ipswich goalkeeper faces Sergei Rebrov, Les Ferdinand, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke and Kevin Phillips in the next fortnight as Town encounter a baptism of fire against Spurs, Manchester United and Sunderland.

But the England shotstopper, who signed a new two-year contract last month, has no fears about facing the cream of striking talent.

Wright said: "I've got no worries about playing anyone because I've got faith in my own ability. If you're not looking forward to playing against the best strikers in the country you shouldn't be doing this job.

"I can't wait for the Premiership season to begin. My confidence took a knock after my England debut in Malta.

"I've watched the video of that game and the play-off final since then to see where I went wrong. All goalkeepers have times when things aren't going right, but I've worked hard in pre-season.

"I made three appearances last time Ipswich were in the Premiership but it wasn't a happy time. I'm confident things will be different now."

Mark Venus (ankle) is a doubt for the Spurs game after aggravating an old ankle injury during the friendly with Fiorentina.

Striker Richard Logan, who recently signed a four-year contract at Portman Road, has been called up by England for their Under-18 clash against Israel on September 1.

Jim Magilton captained Northern Ireland against Yugoslavia last night (Wednesday) in the absence of Gerry Taggart and Steve Lomas.

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