TWTD understands that Shane O’Connor is on trial with League Two new boys Crawley Town. The 21-year-old was notable by his absence from the reserves side which won 3-2 at Bury Town last night, having previously been omitted from the pre-season tour of Holland.

The Republic of Ireland U21 international played on the left of midfield for Crawley in an 8-1 friendly victory at East Grinstead Town on Tuesday night and scored a goal.

O’Connor has a year remaining on his Blues contract but has always appeared likely to move on this summer having played only 16 minutes of senior football - as a sub in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Arsenal - since Paul Jewell took over as manager in January.

The Cork-born midfielder or left-back, who turned down a loan move to Hereford United last November, said last week that he’s happy at Town but was realistic about his prospects at Portman Road: “I want to be playing for Ipswich and I will keep knocking on the door of the squad and the first team.

“I think I could do well in the Championship but different managers like different things and you have to respect that. I am not really sure what is going to happen. I am at an age where I want and need to be playing.”

O’Connor was with Roy Keane's old Rockmount club as a youngster and was signed by the Blues’ former boss after a trial in the summer of 2009 having been released by Liverpool’s academy during the previous campaign.

Photo: Action Images

robdaful added 13:14 - Jul 21 Think he could get into a better team than Crawley. Think he can cut it in the prem. He's still contracted to us.
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Fatboy added 13:20 - Jul 21 Crawley could possibly offer him Championship terms in League Two, plus a more or less guaranteed place each week.
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saffronblue added 13:49 - Jul 21 We have enough left sided defenders already and he clearly is not go to be in the team ahead of Kennedy and Cresswell with Joe Whight in the wings. Get him off the wage bill and let him go and play and develop. As for playing him at LM, yes he is quick and enthusiast but I don't recall him whipping in too many telling crosses.
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sonian_blue added 15:33 - Jul 21 Too good for Crawley superfranz, we will be playing them on a regular basis in a couple of years. mark my words.
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jas0999 added 16:54 - Jul 21 Seems a shame as I rate him - however clearly something isn't right and PJ must know better than us. I wish him well though.
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StowTractorBoy added 21:55 - Jul 21 Good luck to the boy I say. I thought he was an OK player with plenty of enthusiam and a great left peg but he really only performed in the snow. PJ knows what he is doing and also need to get Peters, Civelli and Priskin off the payroll all 3 of whom have had time to establish themselves. Possibly harsh on Civelli but I posted on here months ago that sadly he will never be the same after the injury. Still very concerned about the centre of our defence which to me is the biggest piority as you build a solid team from the back and at the moment what we have is not solid enough especially if Ingimarsson is a sick note.

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Talbs77 added 00:00 - Jul 22 I like syrup Good luck to o connor in life, living and love
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