Royle predicts Ambrose exit

Last updated : 03 March 2003 By Martyn Elliott

The teenage forwards were the subject of a controversial bid from Newcastle last month after the Suffolk club went into administration, with Ambrose reported to be a long-term target for Sir Bobby.

"If we haven't made the play-offs it will be hard to keep them," admitted the former Man City boss.

"They have a lot of admirers and they know that. I've no doubt next season that if they're not in the Premiership with us, they will be there with another club.

"I call them the twins because they are inseparable. They go everywhere together and have a telepathic understanding on the pitch.

"They turn up to training in the same car - and if you tell them to pair up they are always together.

"In fact, they are seldom more than 10 yards away from each other. If I was a Premiership manager, I would take the pair as a package."

Ipswich went a step closer to reaching the play-offs on Sunday though winning their local derby at Norwich 2-0, with goals from Fabian Wilnis and Bent.