Ipswich Town midfielder Andre Dozzell has insisted that he needs to improve his performance levels if he is to force his way into contention for a starting role at Portman Road.

The 20-year-old, who is a product of the Tractor Boys' youth academy, has been forced to watch on from the sidelines for the majority of the 2019/20 campaign due to the form illustrated by his team-mates.

Limited to just five league appearances, Dozzell's displays for Ipswich have left a lot to be desired.

Relatively ineffective in the club's defeat to Accrington Stanley last month, the midfielder was then dropped from the Tractor Boys' starting eleven by Lambert.

However, having recently produced an encouraging performance against Lincoln City in which he scored for his side, Dozzell will now be determined to push on over the coming months.

Currently away on international duty with England's Under-20 side, the midfielder could be in contention to feature in Ipswich's upcoming league clash with Blackpool.

Speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times about his start to the season, Dozzell said: "I probably haven't been good enough because I know what I can do.

"I showed that [against Lincoln] but I need to do it on a more consistent basis.

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"I haven't really been up to standard but I've been slowly getting there.

"We have such a good squad so if you're not at it other people will come in and do your job.

"It's healthy because everyone's fighting for their place.

"The main thing for me now is to get into the league team."

The Verdict

Whilst there is no doubting Dozzell's talent, his failure to adjust to life in League One has resulted in him falling down the pecking order at Ipswich.

With the Tractor Boys expected to challenge for automatic promotion this season, the midfielder needs to show Lambert in training why he deserves to be a regular starter for the club.

If he is given the nod for Ipswich's clash with Blackpool on Saturday, it is imperative that Dozzell delivers the goods as a failure to do so could result in him being cut adrift by Lambert.