Boss Mick McCarthy says loanee Noel Hunt’s future is up to his parent club Leeds United. The 32-year-old’s month with the Blues came to an end after Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Charlton.

McCarthy says the clubs are yet to talk about the Irishman joining Town for a second spell: “We’re not even at that stage. We took him until January 3rd. He’ll be going back, he’ll probably train with us for the next couple of days and then he’ll go back.

“There’s no point in him staying, he can’t play in the FA Cup, he’ll have to go back and do something else.”

McCarthy says he’s similarly not yet spoken to Hunt about his situation: “I haven’t had that discussion with anybody yet.

"We took him until January 3rd. It’s up to them what they want to do with him, and up to Hunty, to be fair.

“He’s done all right, he scored the winner at Charlton, he’s had a couple of sub appearances and I like him. It’s up to them, see what they want to do.”

With Hunt having previously said he’d like to stay with the Blues and firmly out of favour at Leeds, a return to Portman Road seems likely if the clubs can agree terms.

Following Tuesday’s game, Hunt tweeted his thanks to everyone at Portman Road: “I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved with [ITFC]. I can't thank the staff, fans and especially the boys enough for how they welcomed me into the football club!

“You guys helped me fall back in love with the game and for this I am eternally grateful and will always be in my heart!

“To the fans, thank you guys for accepting me it was a great buzz to come on tonight and so close to nicking another goal! Xxx.”

Photo: Action Images

bbkingsumday added 06:11 - Jan 1 I think we'll see him back (if Leeds allow it), clearly Mick rates him enough to pick him and likes his attitude (which we know he rates highly). Think he would be good addition til end of season.
9

BoxerBlue added 07:20 - Jan 1 Gives 100% has goals in him and by the sounds of it is a really nice guy I really hope something can be done to bring him back in January
5

BoxerBlue added 07:20 - Jan 1 Gives 100% has goals in him and by the sounds of it is a really nice guy I really hope something can be done to bring him back in January
2

bennyitfc added 07:55 - Jan 1 Mick's a coy old goat
14

bluefeast added 08:42 - Jan 1 Coy indeed , what Mick is saying is , give him a free and i will give him a 6 month contract.
6

cooper4england added 09:04 - Jan 1 I read this as "I've got other irons in the fire. If none of them come off then I guess I might have you back"
0

ArnieM added 09:14 - Jan 1 Smart money says Mick gets his man gor nowt yet again.
3

Paddy39 added 10:40 - Jan 1 ME must be laughing all the way to the bank as Mick doesn't need money to pick up players. Noel Hunt back to ITFC, in on a free imo.
5

ITFC_Cairo added 10:40 - Jan 1 I like Noel Hunt. He's given his absolute all as a bit part player. His attitude seems great. I thought he was going to take flight when he went for that header the other night.
4

JimmyJazz added 10:45 - Jan 1 Mick definitely playing down his interest so that Leeds don't take advantage. Noel Who?
6

roytheboy added 11:34 - Jan 1 Noel's skills, efforts and good attitude means he would fit in beautifully at Portman Road, I certainly would like to see him return.
3

jas0999 added 12:01 - Jan 1 We need to invest a small amount to sign another striker. Whether that layer is Hunt remains to be seen.
1

NoelTheDub added 13:23 - Jan 1 Well worth a punt as he seems to be a hungry player by that I mean he seems to be buzzing when coming off the bench even for the last few minutes ,also he is a little different from what we have on the pitch.Reading into Micks words I think there is a bit of a clearing the decks so maybe a few new faces in jan..
1

cunning_stunt added 16:03 - Jan 1 Hope he comes back here, I've bought a Noel Hunt replica shirt
4

Cakeman added 20:52 - Jan 1 Would be great to get him back. The exact attitude needed and still has a lot of ability. I would like to think that Leeds will do the right thing and not make it difficult for Noel but since when have Leeds done anything right!
0

Pessimistic added 21:43 - Jan 1 Yes, I like Noel Hunt too and hope he returns. At the very least he is a lucky omen after Charlton!
0

BlueSince93 added 23:02 - Jan 1 Whether he returns or not those three points against Charlton could prove to be huge. Thankyou Noel.
1

wkj added 06:13 - Jan 2 I do hope he returns. He has work to do, but his Attittude is wonderful, such a nice change from the dark days of Chopra giving no monkeys
0

oldelsworthyfan added 11:05 - Jan 2 MM has to deal with the exit of a couple of ITFC players who can't get into the Rotherham side. I like both the Hunts. 110% commitment. Great attitude. Help to create the wonderful team spirit that we have not had for years - until now. Hope it might be possible to bring in a goalscorer from a lower division.
0

blueherts added 11:24 - Jan 2 Eoin Doyle
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