Town loan signing Paul Green believes Sheffield Wednesday’s decision to release him 14 years ago had a positive impact on his career.
The midfielder, who has joined from Leeds until the end of the season, was part of the Hillsborough set-up between the ages of 11 and 16 before suddenly being shown the door.
"They said I was too small,” recalled 30-year-old Green, "but when I look back at that part of my life I honestly believe it was a blessing in disguise.
"After I left Wednesday I went to Doncaster and came through the youth system there. I played a big part in them getting promoted to the Championship.
"It gave me a chance to play regular football, firstly in the Conference and then in League Two, League One and the Championship. It gave me great experience as a footballer and made sure I never took for granted what I had done in the game.”
Green’s journey from non-league football to the second tier of the English professional game took him five years and since then he has represented both Derby and parent club Leeds, whose season appeared to be knocked off course because of a drawn-out takeover.
He added: "Players tend to just get on with their jobs but it’s nice to get away from there and carry on with my career here at Ipswich. Obviously, I didn’t really get much game time at Leeds this year so it’s nice to be playing again and involved at a club that is going for the play-offs.
"It’s been a bit funny at Leeds but you just let that side of things get sorted out by itself. As a player you just concentrate on your game and that’s what the lads at Elland Road were doing. I’m out of it now and just concentrating on my career at Ipswich.
"Whatever is going on behind the scenes at a club you let the directors, owners and chairman sort that out. Players have a job to do and just like to get on with it. When you cross the white line you know what your job is.”
Green, who made his Town debut as a 74th minute substitute in the 2-2 draw at Barnsley last week, is adamant he will be able to complete the entire 90 minutes should he be named in the starting line-up for this weekend’s home clash with lowly Blackpool.
He said: "I’ve played a few reserve games for Leeds and obviously it’s not the same as playing for the first team, but I feel that my fitness and sharpness is there so I’m all ready to go.
"The lads here have been doing brilliantly so you don’t expect to get straight into a team. When Mick took the phone call from me he said I wouldn’t be guaranteed a starting spot, which I understand because they have been doing so well.
"I’ve just got to bide my time and then make sure I help the team when I get the shout. I’ve been down here a week or so, it’s a lovely place and the lads have been brilliant. They’re a great bunch and the team spirit is there. They are a very well organised team. I’ve been feeling sharp in training and I just want to get my career going again.”
Green has already appeared at Portman Road in the current campaign, as a member of the Leeds side who pocketed all three points as a result of their 2-1 Championship success back in August last year.
He added: "I’d played a couple of games here and not had much luck before that but we did get one over Ipswich early on this season. Now I’m looking forward to getting my first run-out there as an Ipswich player.”