Defender Jack Ainsley has signed a new contract aimed at keeping him at Portman Road until June 2013. The 21-year-old, who says he's likely to go out on loan in January, was offered the new terms last month having impressed manager Paul Jewell during the six-month deal he was handed in the summer.
Academy product Ainsley, an England U17 international striker as a youngster, has made four senior starts and one sub appearance for Town, in addition to loan spells in the Blue Square Premier with Histon and Rushden and Diamonds.
Boss Paul Jewell says the Felixstowe-based player, whose father George and older brother Stuart were both youth players at Town, has fully deserved his new deal: "Jack’s been terrific, he was a bit unlucky to be part of the Peterborough debacle but his attitude is terrific and he’s done really, really well in training and in the reserves.
"I gave him six months to prove himself and he’s earned the right to be offered a new contract.”
Ainsley is pleased to have his future settled: "Obviously I'm delighted to have agreed a new contract.
"The fact that it's for 18 months, which is longer than I have signed before, is a confidence booster. The manager has shown a lot of faith in me and now I want to repay him.
"He has has told me that he'd like to get me out on loan in January so I can play some competitive games and then come back to the club and start pushing for a place in the summer.
"It's down to me now to show the manager that I should be in his plans."
Meanwhile, Premier League Wigan are the latest side to be linked with Doncaster striker Billy Sharp, who Rovers chairman John Ryan has confirmed will be available for £3 million in January.