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

Peter Taylor believes his players should use Darren Bent as their inspiration when they take on Moldova at Portman Road on Tuesday evening.

The Charlton forward has been prolific at under-21 level, scoring nine goals during Taylor's tenure as coach, and was rewarded with his first full cap in England's 2-1 win over Uruguay at Anfield on 1 March.

Bent has been included in Steve McClaren's first England squad to face Greece on Wednesday, and Taylor wants his young charges to emulate the Charlton man by making the step up.

"I've told the players that Steve McClaren is starting off with a clean sheet of paper and will give everyone a chance," said Taylor. "Seeing players like Darren Bent step up to the senior squad is great motivation."

One player who has tasted life with England's senior squad is Theo Walcott, and Taylor has been extremely impressed with the 17 year old after watching the Arsenal starlet in training.

"This was the first time I've seen Theo Walcott train and he looked very lively. He's obviously a talented player with fantastic pace, and seems like a very sensible boy as well," said Taylor, who added that despite the lack of first-team football, the squad are ready for Moldova.

"We had a very lively first training session and I'm very pleased with the attitude and spirit in the camp. The lads all look sharp, especially those at Championship clubs.

"The Premiership players haven't started their season yet and will be desperate to play a competitive game," he said.

Taylor knows England cannot afford to slip-up against Moldova as they bid to qualify for the 2007 European Championships, which will be held in Holland. In a short qualification programme where only the winners of a three-team group will progress, England travel to Switzerland in September after facing Moldova.

"The format of the qualifying means that we need to win against Moldova and then get another win against Switzerland next month," said Taylor.

England have played Moldova twice before, winning both matches, and Taylor is hoping for a hat-trick of successes at Portman Road - a favoured ground of his.

"My first game as under-21 coach back in 1996 was away to Moldova ironically. I'm expecting them to be very skillful, with a back five, and we will take them very seriously.

"Portman Road is a real football ground and can create a great atmosphere. We're hoping for a good crowd to really get behind us.

"It will be a special night for Darren Ambrose to go back to Portman Road. He's scored some important goals for the under-21s and has done well."

Tickets for England's clash with Moldova can be bought from the official Ipswich Town website, found here. Fans will also be able to purchase tickets on the night.