By Aston
March 30 2005

Ipswich Town manager Joe Royle believes Town captain Jim Magilton will play a major part in Town’s run-in.

The 35-year-old midfielder has been virtually ever present for Town this season and Joe Royle finds one of his hardest jobs as Town manager is telling Jim he’s not playing.

Royle: “Jim is a massive figure at the club, and he will start our match against Derby on Saturday, we have had to nurse him through the season a bit, and one of the hardest jobs I have had is to tell him he is not playing.

“He wants to play in every match and has proved to be an exceptional captain. I cannot believe how he has not been given the skipper's armband earlier in his career.

“Jim has been terrific for us on and off the field and he will make sure the players are on their toes for the remaining seven games.

“He sets a good example when he is playing well - and also when he is not, because he still keeps demanding the ball.”

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