Full-back or midfielder Shane O’Connor is in no doubt that his Town career is at an end hopes he can show potential new clubs what he can do during his month's loan at Port Vale. The Republic of Ireland U21 international's contract at Portman Road is up in June and he appears firmly out of boss Paul Jewell’s plans having appeared for only 15 minutes of the Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Arsenal since the change of manager.
O’Connor said: "I've come here to sell myself to other clubs and get myself another permanent deal. My time at Ipswich is coming to an end and I've got a chance to show people what I can do because I've fallen out of the spotlight.
"I'm looking at my loan move as a trial — trying to impress the management team and players here.
"If all goes well I would 100 per cent sign here in January. This is a club with aspirations to get promoted. I am looking to sell myself to Vale first and foremost as they have given me the chance."
The Cork-born former Liverpool trainee, who could play for Vale’s reserves against Chesterfield this afternoon having arrived at his temporary club too late to be involved in Friday’s 0-0 draw with Torquay, has made 15 starts and seven sub appearances for the Blues without scoring.
Meanwhile, Town's reserves will play a behind-closed-doors friendly at Chelsea's Cobham training ground on Monday 12th December.