by MARK TUXFORD

WHILE every fan wants to see new players through the transfer window, Ipswich Town boss Paul Lambert will know he needs to mould the best talent already available to him, if he is to mount a realistic promotion challenge in the coming season.

As the old football saying goes, “a game can be won or lost in midfield” and, on paper, the former Norwich City manager has arguably the best crop of midfielders in the league to choose from.

Here's my take on the battle in Town’s midfield, with four key individuals who are looking to prove a point, become a hero in blue and have a very big say in where the Blues finish their 2019/20 League One campaign.

EMYR HUWS

The former Manchester City man has cruelly suffered with persistent injuries since signing his four-year-contract back in 2017.

With little in the way of game time, the new season is an important one for Huws, who will be looking to make up for lost time.

He will no doubt be like a new signing when fully fit and may just be the man to provide the creative spark missing from last season.

TEDDY BISHOP

Bishop has all the attributes to be a great asset in League One.

The attacking midfielder burst onto the scene in the 2014/15 campaign under Mick McCarthy.

However, since then, long-term injuries and constant setbacks have curtailed the 22-year-old’s career.

Bishop’s fitness returned last season and will look to kick on and make this season one to remember for all the right reasons.

JON NOLAN

Nolan followed former manager Paul Hurst to the club from Shrewsbury Town last summer.

However, the midfielder struggled to find his foothold within the Championship.

Nonetheless, with an eye for a killer pass, the ability to track back, support the forwards and score a goal, the 27-year-old will have something of a point to prove heading into a league he knows all about with great success, judging by his 2018 League One Team of the Year inclusion.

DANNY ROWE

Rowe has somewhat become the forgotten man at Portman Road, since McCarthy signed the winger from Macclesfield Town in January 2017.

He’s played the majority of his football at Lincoln City in two separate loan spells, even securing the Imps’ promotion to League One last term.

Rowe could now find himself back in the fold of Lambert’s long-term plans, where he may finally be given a chance to show his worth.

The rest of Town’s midfield is full of talent, with a sprinkle of rawness and a touch of experience.

Talisman Alan Judge, who was one Town’s better performers last season since his arrival from Brentford in January, and Gwion Edwards will look to add the flare to Lambert’s attacking approach.

Experienced campaigner Cole Skuse is an integral defensive mainstay in the middle of the park and will be a great benefit to Town’s batch of exciting young midfield options, including Andre Dozzell, Tristan Nydam, Flynn Downes, Jack Lancester and Idris El Mizouni.

All of whom will be knocking on the door and hoping to force their way into the side.

Town’s midfield looks more than capable of holding its own in League One and could be the catalyst to future success as Lambert and co look to gain promotion back to the Championship at the first attempt.