Striker Connor Wickham has reiterated his intention to be part of Town's promotion campaign next season despite all the speculation regarding summer bids by the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool. The 18-year-old recently signed a contract aimed at keeping him at Portman Road until 2014 or making sure the Blues achieve a very significant fee if the England U21 international does move on.
Wickham said: "I’m happy here. It’s honestly not crossed my mind what might happen in the summer. I’m focused on Ipswich Town and I’m enjoying what I like doing most — playing week-in, week-out.
"I love every minute of my life and the spark has not gone. Ever since I could walk I have been kicking a ball, and I never thought it would turn out this well.
"If an offer came in it would be down to Ipswich, but my sights are set on getting Ipswich into the Premier League.”
Coach Sean McCarthy joined boss Paul Jewell for his pre-match press conference and the Welshman, like his former Bradford team-mate a striker during his playing days, says he’s been impressed with Wickham since he came to the club: "I think there’s a lot of responsibility on you and he’s done that really well.
"I think Connor Wickham did that exceptionally well on Saturday against Bristol City. He led the line, held the ball up, he won flick-ons and that’s what it’s all about.
"He’s only a young lad,” he continued, looking towards tonight’s derby against a Norwich City side featuring a more experienced 22-goal frontman.
"Grant Holt’s been around a long time, he’s been round the block and he upsets defenders and causes problems. Not just in the box but outside the box. That’s what being a good centre forward is all about.”
McCarthy, 43, says Wickham has all he needs to go to the top: "Obviously as a centre forward his main attribute is scoring goals. He’s got the strength, he’s got the build, basically he’s got everything. He’s got pace when he gets going, he’s good in the air.
"He needs to work on certain things obviously because the lad’s only just turned 18. It’s a big ask but I’m sure Connor’s good enough to have a successful career in the game.”
The ex-Swansea, Plymouth, Oldham and Exeter frontman is enjoying working with Wickham and the rest of the squad at Playford Road: "He’s a great lad, they all are. I can’t wait to come in in the mornings.
"The facilities here are fantastic and the players here are a great bunch of lads to work with and it’s a pleasure to work with them.”
McCarthy has also been impressed with 17-year-old midfielder Josh Carson: "Josh is one of those that’s unfazed. He comes in, trains and gets on with it. He’s usually the first in and the last away, which is great.
"The manager has given the young kids a chance and they’ve taken it and they’re in the team by right. Josh kept Lee Martin out of the team last week against Middlesbrough and the lad’s doing really well. The two of them will definitely play a big part next season.”
Meanwhile, recent Town loanee Kieron Dyer limped off after 20 minutes of West Ham’s reserves’ defeat to Bolton on Tuesday, prompting speculation that the 32-year-old’s Hammers career might be over.
Boss Paul Jewell was keen to keep the former England man until the end of the season and has said he could look at Dyer’s situation again in the summer when his contract is up.