England U21 v Moldova
European Championship Qualifier
8pm, Tuesday 15 August
Portman Road
Live on Sky Sports
Tickets Details - Buy Online

Darren Ambrose is eagerly awaiting Tuesday night's England Under-21 international at Ipswich Town and a return to his Suffolk roots.

Though born in Harlow, Essex, the Charlton midfielder began his football career at Portman Road before heading to the Valley via a two-year spell at Newcastle United.

Now the 22-year-old is ready to step out at Ipswich once again as Peter Taylor's men begin their 2007 UEFA U21 European Championship qualifying campaign at home to Moldova.

"I'm delighted to still be involved with Under-21s," said Ambrose. "I'm now the oldest in the squad so hopefully I can help pass on some experience to younger players.

"I loved my time at Ipswich and it will be great to go back. The fans are fantastic and it's a massive game for us."

He added: "I think all players have a special affinity for the first ground they became a professional on and Portman Road will always be a special place for me.

"It was the place where I made my name and they were the club that gave me a chance. Of course I’m a Charlton player now but I always keep a look out for how Ipswich are getting on and I’m still in contact with a number of their players."

England's players enjoyed a lively training session at their Essex base on Monday morning and Ambrose says that he's raring to go on Tuesday night. However, he would love to have been lining up with his ex-Ipswich and now Charlton team mate Darren Bent, who received a call-up into Steve McClaren's senior squad on Friday.

"Even though we haven't started our season yet at Charlton I feel sharp and ready.

"It would have been great to play together with Darren Bent at Ipswich but I'm delighted he's back in the senior squad. That's what every young English player wants to achieve. He's got over the disappointment of not getting in the World Cup squad and is looking really good pre-season.

"We're going top go out and enjoy ourselves and then the performance and result should follow."

Tickets for England's clash with Moldova are still available and can be bought at the ground or online in advance - click here