Jon Walters has spoken of his frustration at being out in the cold at Burnley, a situation that has led to him returning to Town on a short-term loan deal until January.
The 34-year-old Republic of Ireland international striker was signed by then-boss Jim Magilton for £150,000 from Chester in January 2007 and Roy Keane was the man in charge when he left to join Stoke City for £2.75 million just over eight years ago.
Walters, who switched to Turf Moor in a £3 million deal last summer, has only managed six first-team appearances for the Clarets, just two of which have been starts and neither in the Premier League.
He said: "It can only be frustrating when you train all week and don’t play at the weekend. I’d rather not train all week and then play at weekends! It’s all about getting out there on the pitch and playing games.
"But you can’t get yourself too low, just like you can’t get too high when things are going your way. There’s no point in beating yourself up over it and you’ve got to keep a steady head.
"I had a bit of an issue last year. I did all the pre-season and I was fit for the start of the season.
"But then my knee was getting a bit sore and I was told to rest it for 12 weeks and then come back and build my legs back up. I did that but it was still sore and that was very frustrating because I knew what it meant.
"I was sort of fit for December but it was still sore and that’s when I had an operation. I was back from that in March — fit but not picked.
"I was just training every day and it was a very frustrating time. I went away with Ireland in the summer, played some games and returned to Burnley for the pre-season, raring to go.
"I was training every day and played a fair few pre-season games — seven or eight — but it just wasn’t to be.
"I just got my head down and worked really hard, as I always do, and I did everything right, which has stood me in good stead for coming here.
"I’m not a player to go around sulking during the transfer window. I did everything — and a bit extra — to keep myself tip-top. I’m delighted with this move and ready to hit the ground running.
"If the manager wants me I’d love to be involved on Sunday against Norwich. I couldn’t ask for a bigger game to get me going again.
"It’s a great feeling to be back and good to see a few familiar faces still around the place.
"I got straight back into training today and it’s been a lively start. The phone’s been non-stop since Thursday and I’ve had to switch it off and put it to one side or my head would be scrambled.
"I’ve also had texts from some of the lads I played alongside here in my first spell.
"I had some other options a bit closer to home but the owner rang me and I also spoke to the manager.
"They made a real effort to get me and with knowing the place — I had so many good times here — I saw it as a no-brainer.
"I want to get some football under my belt and help Ipswich to get out of their current situation. I’ve seen the games and the lads aren’t far off.
"There are a lot of new signings, mainly young lads, and they’re all in the same situation I was in when I came here so many years ago. First and foremost I’m here to play but I can help these lads as well.”
Walters admits he faces an uncertain future when he returns to Burnley in the new year. "I don’t know and I haven’t really thought about it,” he added.
"It’s all about getting out on loan so that I can play games. I’m hoping it goes really well here and I’ll take it from there. I’m looking forward to playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday and getting back into the swing of things again.
"I’m not coming in here thinking I’ll just put my feet up and play a game. I know I’ll have to work for it, just the same as at any other club, and I will.
"The hard work started straight away with a good session today and there will be another one tomorrow, and hopefully I’ll be involved on Sunday.”