Young centre-half Gerard Nash has had yet more knee surgery. The Irishman has already had two cruciate knee ligament operations during his short career and underwent cartilage surgery in December.

Boss Joe Royle says Nash, 18, is currently recuperating back home in Dublin: "Gerard has had a corrective operation, with some drilling done to his knee cap to promote growth.

"He is back home in Ireland at the moment and we hope he can come back with all guns blazing to get his career back on track."

Royle has cited Nash - along with fellow young centre-halves Chris Casement and Aidan Collins - as a factor in his decision to release Drissa Diallo.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls