Blues boss Paul Jewell says striker Tamás Priskin’s loan move to Derby gives the Hungarian international the chance to win himself a permanent contract with the Rams if he wants one. The 25-year-old’s Town terms are up at the end of the season with an extension looking unlikely after what’s been an up and down career at Portman Road since his £1.7 million move from Watford in the summer of 2009.
Jewell said: "Tamás has been on the periphery of the team. He played against Doncaster and Derby came in for him.
"I think it serves both parties. His contract’s up in the summer, so it’s up to him. He needs to go and prove himself to get sorted out for next year.”
Jewell admits Priskin hasn’t always been at his best for the Blues: "It just hasn’t happened for him here for whatever reason. He’s got all the ability - he’s 6ft 2in tall, he can run, he’s just been inconsistent really. It’s an opportunity for him. He wanted to go, so we let him go.
"He’s [due to be] coming back in January. If he wants to stay at Derby it’s up to him to say to Derby ‘give me a contract beyond the end of the season’.”
The Town manager, who says the striker will still be in his thoughts on his return if he doesn't win an extended stay at Pride Park, is in no doubt that Priskin has what it takes to succeed at this level and has a lot of time for him: "He’s got all the tools, he’s quick enough, he’s good in the air, he’s technically good. He doesn’t understand the offside law, that’s the only problem!" he joked.
"He is frustrating because he has all the attributes and he’s a smashing lad. I haven’t got a problem with him, despite what you might think.
"He’s not a bad lad at all. He’s a good lad, a good professional but he’s just lacked a bit of consistency here and I don’t want to stand in anybody’s way.”
Priskin is with the Rams until January 2nd but isn’t allowed to play for Nigel Clough’s side when they’re at Portman Road on Saturday 17th December.