Boss Joe Royle has not ruled out bringing Alan Mahon back to Portman Road. The Wigan midfielder has been told that he can go out on loan by Paul Jewell but his wages might prevent a deal from taking place.

Mahon spent a successful loan spell at Portman Road in 2003 while a Blackburn player. Town were keen to sign him permanently but couldn't afford to pay a fee for the two-time Irish international and he joined Wigan early in 2004.

Royle is after a loan replacement for the injured Ian Westlake and says he is monitoring developments with 27-year-old Mahon: "We are aware of the Mahon situation and he did very well for us when he was here last time and someone I have asked about in the past."

Town have a loan budget but it is likely they would need Wigan to subsidise Mahon's wages if he were to rejoin the Blues.

Meanwhile, trialist Adam Proudlock says he is determined to re-establish his career at Portman Road. The sacked Sheffield Wednesday striker says timekeeping was his downfall at Hillsborough: "I was late for training a few times and missed sessions because I had slept in a few times.

"I know that was bad enough and yes, I was in the wrong, but I have not done anything outrageous and certainly nowhere near as bad as the rumours."

The 24-year-old says he will put his bad-boy days behind him and win a contract at Town: "It is a great chance for me and I'm determined to make the most of it.

"Ipswich are a big club that have been in Europe and the Premiership not long ago."

The former Wolves man has also been offered trials at other clubs but Town would be his first choice. Proudlock could be involved for the reserves at Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

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