Veteran defender David Wright has tipped young Tractor Boys Tommy Smith and Jordan Rhodes to be big hits for the Blues this season.
The experienced centre-back has been overseeing the progress of the 19-year-olds in an informal coaching role during the close season and is impressed with what he has seen.
Both Rhodes and Smith have already had serious problems with injuries, with Smith returning from a broken ankle, while Rhodes has recently fractured his metatarsal.
But Wright praised not only their abilities, but also their mental toughness in returning from such setbacks so early on in their footballing careers.
He said: "At such a young age to have the knocks must have been tough, but they are really as tough deep down as the old boys. Not only that, but they are nice lads who have shown great character and they are flying now and looking sharp.
"Both are chasing lost time and will appreciate even more what they have got. They have great futures and I'm sure they will get given a good crack of the whip during pre-season and beyond."
