‘I’ve seen him change as a person. I think he could come back stronger’ – Jason on Andre

Jason Dozzell and Andre Dozzell when the latter signed his first professional deal with Ipswich Town. Photo: Archant (Image: Archant)

The teenage midfielder’s star was massively on the rise this time last year, but, just three weeks after being part of the England squad which won the European U19 Championships, he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in the Blues’ Championship opener against Birmingham City at Portman Road.

Now the 19-year-old is back training with the first team after almost a year on the sidelines and has his sights on being available for the visit of Blackburn Rovers on August 4.

MORE: Goals, tackles and a goal-line clearance - watch new signing Chalobah shine in training on his birthday

“He’s done loads and loads of running, he’s done loads of ball work, but it’s been almost a year since he’s had any meaningful contact so they are just going to have to ease him back in with regards that,” said Jason, who himself played more than 400 games for the Blues.

“I’ve spoken to Paul Hurst and he feels the same. They won’t rush him. There are still a number of weeks to be ready for the first game of the season. That’s always been his aim.”

MORE: Birmingham City linked with a £3m bid for Bart

He continued: “He went to Qatar to work with (orthopaedic and sports medicine) specialists at the end of last season. The Ipswich physios have taken him for sessions, (strength & conditioning expert) Nino Severino has helped him with his footwork, he’s been at Pipers Vale doing gymnastics, I’ve done him some technical sessions...

“He’s been doing three sessions a day and then going to David Lloyd to do more himself. I promise you, he’s cut no corners with his rehab. They say you only get out what you put in, well if that’s the case then he has got no worries.

“He’s itching to get back out there and, if anything, he’s maybe wanting to do too much.

Andre Dozzell has has made 12 senior appearances for Ipswich Town. Photo: Steve Waller (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

MORE: Town interested in Rangers’ keeper

“They pulled him out of a training game the other day and he had a little bit of a sulk, but I think that’s good to see.”

Jason added: “I always knew he had the ability and now I know he’s got the drive.

Jason and Andre Dozzell - both made goalscoring debuts for Ipswich Town at the age of 16. Photo: Sarah Lucy Brown (Image: Archant)

“The injury felt like the end of the world for him at the time, but it could actually end up being a blessing in disguise. He’s tougher mentally now.

“I’ve seen him change as a person. I do think he could come back stronger than ever.”

MORE: Follow us on Facebook for all the latest Blues news and video

Andre Dozzell celebrates scoring on his Town debut at Sheffield Wednesday aged 16 in April 2016. Photo: Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

––––––––––----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jason Dozzell believes Trevoh Chalobah will be a good signing for the Blues and has provided an insight into another youth international to have been linked to the club.

The former Town midfielder turned coach was out in Georgia last summer to watch his son Andre play a key role in the Three Lions winning the European U19 Championships.

MORE: ‘I’m very proud to take this job at such an important time’ - Reuser’s role in helping Holland fire again

Chalobah – who became new Blues boss Paul Hurst’s first signing when joining on a season-long loan from Chelsea – was also part of that team.

“Trevoh played centre-back in that tournament and was outstanding,” said Dozzell. “I know they rate him very highly at Chelsea and I think he’ll be a really good signing for us. He’s a footballer, he’s strong and he reads the game.

MORE: From Mills and Butcher to Holland and Knudsen - Ipswich Town’s perfect 10 at the World Cup

“I don’t know if the manager has brought him in to play in defence or CDM (central defensive midfielder).”

Ipswich could have as many as four players at this summer’s European U19 Championships, which take place in Finland later this month, with Chalobah and Dozzell still eligible and Tristan Nydam and Flynn Downes having both been capped at that level last season.

There’s talk that number may rise to five, with Fulham’s Tayo Edun having been linked to a loan switch to the Blues.

“That’s interesting,” said Dozzell. “He played in the middle with Andre last summer. He got about the pitch and was neat and tidy on the ball. They complemented each other well.”