Assistant boss Chris Hutchings says discussions regarding Josh Carson’s new contract are still continuing. Last week, Blues manager Paul Jewell said he was confident that the Northern Irish international would put pen to paper on the deal, which is an initial two years plus the option of a further season, with the recent snow causing a meeting with the player’s representative to be rescheduled.

Hutchings said: “That’s still ongoing. I know the gaffer’s in talks with him and his agent and it’s ongoing at this moment in time.”

The 18-year-old has been out of the 16 in recent weeks, although usually having been in the 18-man party travelling to away games, and Hutchings says his initial task is to win back a place in the Town side: “It’s up to Josh to get in the team first and foremost. He’s the one who’s got to do the talking and the only way he does that is on the pitch.

“He’s done very, very well. He’s an international but he’s on the periphery at the moment. He’s one for the future and if he does well, he’ll get rewarded, like in anything.

“If you’re doing well you get rewarded, simple as that,” he continued. “I think Aaron Cresswell’s a prime example.”

But he admits regaining a place in a team which has won its last three games isn’t going to be easy: “It’s always tough when you’re trying to get in a winning side. If you get on as a sub, you’ve got to show what you’re all about.

“If you don’t get that opportunity and you’re not even on the bench, you’ve got to do it on training every day.”

Meanwhile, the search for loan players — with a centre-half top of the list - goes on: “We’re always looking. The window doesn’t really affect us as such because we know we have a week’s grace and then we can get loans in again.

“A lot goes into it,” he added. “People think it’s easy to get players in. But players at other clubs, maybe on the bench or out of the squad, don’t want to move from north to south things like that, but we are trying.

“It’s about keeping those in the team on their toes, making sure that they perform to the best of their level or otherwise someone will take their jersey.”

Photo: Action Images

daniel9624 added 09:08 - Feb 17 I assume CH is doing the talking because PJ has ManFlu. I do think that Carson will be on his way out of the club, just seems a bit too hesitant to sign. I hope he does sign because I think we are at the start of something really positive and he can play a huge role in the rest of this season and next, especially if being out of the starting 11 has put fire in his belly in the same way it has Hyam, Drury, Chops etc

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TractorMan added 09:48 - Feb 17 Again, CH implies Josh is not showing full commitment at training - something PJ has implied before. He needs to knuckle down and show a better attitude or he'll end up like Lavery etc - all talk and languishing in the lower divisions, or worse Scotland!
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Bluecynic added 10:19 - Feb 17 I cant really understand why JC isnt on the bench instead of, say, Leadbitter. One we really want to keep and the other just looks like he doesnt want to be at PR.
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Karlosfandangal added 11:20 - Feb 17 Bluecynic Agree would like Crson instead of Leadbitter as I feel he gives us more options in the midfield, Nothing against Leadbitter just feel Carson can play in a number of roles. On the other hand if Carson attitude is not right then Leadbitter is the right person, Carson is still young and may feel he has made it as he is a talent and the offer of a 3 year contract is good and as we have seen with some of the youngsters and their agents they think they are better than they really are. Cresswell and Hyam have shown how mature they are and have been rewarded, lets hope Carson see that and goes to prove that he is worth a better contract in the future.

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Guthrum added 11:35 - Feb 17 Carson is still very young and, while having a degree of flair, also has to continue developing as a player. Leadbitter, on the other hand, is highly experienced at Championship level and a solid, if unspectacular, footballer able to play in most midfield positions. So you can see why the latter is on the bench instead of the younger man. However, Carson could have a bright future at Ipswich, long after Leadbitter has gone. He should be looking at the possibilities for next season, moving into position as a regular option in the midfield. Unfortunately youth is rarely endowed with patience.

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flashblue added 11:43 - Feb 17 less time on twitter.
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ITFC4daprem added 12:24 - Feb 17 play him
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Mark added 12:47 - Feb 17 Just sign it Carson! I've never known the contract of an 18-year-old starting his way in the game to drag on like this. Jewell got some critism for playing Murphy ahead of Carson, but he has been proved right on Murphy over recent matches.
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suffolkpoker added 13:03 - Feb 17 I think if and when he signs he will be more involved.
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Dozzells_Bobblehat added 13:05 - Feb 17 I agree Mark, i really rate Carson and think he can have a big future but reading between the lines it sounds like he isnt the best trainer or has an attitude problem. PJ has already said that he came back after the summer overweight and a bit cocky so maybe its the same again. I was disappointed when PJ dropped him after the Blackpool game but Murphy has been excellent. Really hope he just signs the contract and gets his head down. There is no reason why Carson, Hyam, Drury, JET and Martin couldnt be our settled midfield for a long period of time.

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MrCool added 13:39 - Feb 17 I'm sure that his agent only has his best interests at heart....
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Pettitt10 added 13:46 - Feb 17 sign him up and replace leadbitter with carson or stevenson on the bench. whats the point in having leadboots on the bench when we all know hes not going to be at the club next year?
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arc added 14:34 - Feb 17 A couple more wins please, and then No Loans, because there'll be no point.
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Ipswich24 added 16:25 - Feb 17 i agree with Bluecynic Carson is our future Leadboots is the past so why he is on the bench instaed of Carson is beyond me. Carson adds so much more, determination, flair, creativity and goals.
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michaeldownunder added 00:03 - Feb 18 Will Leadbitter go out on loan when the window opens? We now have an extra midfielder with Stevenson signing This could also release some money for a loan c/half
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newtownfan13 added 05:46 - Feb 18 TractorMan, I dont see where CH says that Carson is not training good or has bad attitude!!!!!!!these are your asumptions out of the text. Why he is left out of the squad and Leadbitter in is PJ's choice. Roll on the 21st Feb when the discussions are to take place regarding his contract and hopefully he will then get some games. Portman Road needs youth, talent and commitment on the pitch and I feel that Carson is capable of all of these.

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RYITFC added 08:35 - Feb 18 We must get Carson to sign, losing him would be another disaster. Hopefully we'll guarantee safety in the next few games and we can give him some game time. Have been impressed with the little i have seen of him this season.
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