‘Ready for the Prem’: Some Ipswich fans react as £7m youngster shines against Spurs

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Despite losing to Tottenham Hotspur in their pre-season friendly today, Ipswich fans had one huge positive from the afternoon – Flynn Downes’ performance against Jose Mourinho’s side.

The 21-year-old, who is a former England Under-20 international, has come through the Ipswich academy and has been tipped for a bright future in the game.

Despite his young age, Downes has made 74 competitive first-team appearances for Ipswich, registering three goals, and is one of the first names on Paul Lambert’s team sheet.

The midfielder was linked with Newcastle earlier this year, Chronicle Live claiming he was one of three players being considered by the current Magpies hierarchy and was valued at £7million.

Arsenal were also said to be interested in the signature of a player who Ipswich legend Matt Holland described to the official club site last year as “outstanding”.

Downes came on in the second half of the Tottenham friendly, with Ipswich already three goals down, and instantly improved his side.

Aside from making the midfield much more balanced and resolute, he kept Spurs ace Lucas Moura at bay for much of the half too.

Here is what some Blues fans made of Downes’ display: