Loan midfielder Simon Walton hopes his spell with the Blues will prepare him for life in the Premiership with Charlton. Last week, the 18-year-old extended his loan until January 3rd.

Walton told the club site: "I spoke to Iain Dowie and he has brought in a couple of new players.

"It would have been difficult for me to go back there after a month here and get straight into the first team.

"He thought and I thought that it would be beneficial for me to stay here at Ipswich and play regular first team football. Hopefully I can build up some momentum in those three months and progress from there into the Premiership."

Walton scored his first Town goal from the spot against QPR and thinks the excellent display can act as a springboard: "That was one of the most enjoyable performances I have been involved in.

"It was an important win and I think the first win always is the most important. From there the confidence can start to flow. Everyone relaxes, it's more enjoyable and hopefully we can build from that and push on up the table."

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