x

George Hopes to Start - Ipswich Town News

January signing George O'Callaghan says he is keen to make his first Town start in Saturday's FA Cup tie at Watford. The former Cork City man has so far made three substitute appearances for the Blues.

O'Callaghan, who is the interview star of issue 86 of TWTD which is out ahead of Tuesday's home game with Wolves, says he is hopeful of being included in Jim Magilton's line-up: "Fingers crossed. Hopefully, the gaffer will give me my chance on Saturday and it's a great game to be involved in. It should be a nice cup tie.”

The 27-year-old is pleased to be in action after his lengthy trial: "To be back playing now is a relief and recently I'm starting to really feel part of it here. Before I felt a bit on the outside, so it's nice to be involved.

"I've watched so many games since September that the club have got me well prepared and raring to go. It's nice to get 20 minutes or half an hour, but I'm really looking to start and play 90 minutes week-in, week-out.”

O'Callaghan could be used in the striker role he occupied in his time at Port Vale with Alan Lee suspended and Jon Walters cup-tied, while there us also a vacancy in his more usual midfield role with Owen Garvan also banned.

Another possible striking option might be Richard Naylor, if the results of his toe scan are positive. Youngsters Billy Clarke and Danny Haynes are also in Magilton's plans.

Town have Gary Roberts, who has also played up front, available again after his one-match ban and the ex-Accrington man could come into a five-man midfield. Darren Currie, who looked set to leave the club in January, is back in favour and may be a starter as he was against Leicester.

Boss Jim Magilton has revealed there has been no loan interest in the midfielder since the transfer window closed, despite reports at the weekend claiming Millwall had targeted the 32-year-old.

Jason De Vos has not given up on being in contention as his recovery from his metatarsal injury progresses, while Gavin Williams is undergoing a course of injections for his pelvic problem and is definitely out.

Meanwhile, chairman David Sheepshanks has dismissed reports linking him with a role as chief executive of England's World Cup 2008 bid: "I'm very flattered to be linked but it is very premature and pure speculation.”

Issue 86 of TWTD will be on sale on Tuesday from our sellers around the ground for an hour and a half before kick-off on Tuesday or via a subscription which can be obtained for surprisingly small amounts of cash or even for free here.

What to read next:

Town Women Sign New Zealand International
Ipswich Town Women have announced their third signing of the day, New Zealand international right-back Grace Neville, who was previously with WSL new girls London City Lionesses.
Edwards: The Ball's in Hackney's Court
Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards says the ball is in Hayden Hackney’s court as to whether the midfielder joins the Blues or stays with the Teessiders.
Town Women Sign Midfielder Dear
Ipswich Town Women have signed midfielder Jenna Dear following her release by fellow WSL2 side Sunderland at the end of last season.
Blues Target Guiu Closing in On Sunderland Loan
Blues target Marc Guiu is closing in on a loan move to newly promoted Premier League Sunderland.
Town Women Sign Full-Back Roe
Ipswich Town Women have signed full-back Bethan Roe following her exit from fellow WSL2 side Charlton Athletic.
Town-Norwich Derby Live on ITV
Town’s East Anglian derby against Norwich City will be shown live on ITV as well as Sky Sports.
Townsend: We All Have to Step Up to Fill Morsy Void
Conor Townsend believes the entire Town squad will need to step up to fill the leadership void left by the departure of former club captain Sam Morsy.
Women's League Cup Group Drawn
Ipswich Town Women have been drawn in Group D of the Subway Women’s League Cup alongside Crystal Palace, Leicester City and London City Lionesses.
Saudi Club in Cajuste Talks
Former Blues loanee Jens Cajuste’s future could now be in Saudi Arabia with Neom the latest club to show interest in signing the Napoli midfielder on loan.
French Club Eyeing Al-Hamadi
Ligue 1 Toulouse are reportedly showing interest in Blues striker Ali Al-Hamadi.