Striker Jordan Rhodes says he will be fit for pre-season training having been sidelined for the final weeks of 2008/09 with a broken metatarsal. The injury meant that the Rhodes missed out on closing weeks of loan club Brentford's League Two championship-winning campaign.
The 19-year-old says he is confident he will be OK to get back into action when the Town squad return to Playford Road after their summer break: "I'm on the mend. I should start walking in a few days, then hopefully be fit for pre-season."
The striker, named the PFA Fans' League Two Player of the Season, says the Blues' new manager has emphasised that hard work will be the key to winning a place in his side: "Roy Keane has told us if we work hard in training then he'll give us the rewards we deserve.â€Â
Rhodes was back with the Brentford squad at the weekend to collect his winner's medal and says he would be happy to return to West London if he doesn't win a place in the Town team next season: "My aim is to be involved with the Ipswich first team. I have a year left on my contract.
"But if things don't work out at Ipswich then I'd love to come back."
Elsewhere, former Town striker James Scowcroft has been released by Crystal Palace, who have offered another ex-Blue Shefki Kuqi improved terms.
Swansea have confirmed that they have agreed terms withQueen of the South striker Stephen Dobbie. Town were reportedly amongst a number of clubs from either side of the border interested in the 26-year-old.