x

Hurst: Few Calls on Free Agents - Ipswich Town News

Town boss Paul Hurst says he’s received few calls so far pushing free agent strikers in his direction, the Blues having lost frontmen Jon Walters and Ellis Harrison to injury in the last week. Hurst is also not yet considering recalling striker Aaron Drinan from his spell with Vanarama National League Sutton United.

The Blues manager says everyone feels for summer signing Harrison, who ruptured a ligament in his ankle in training, Walters having been ruled out for the rest of his loan with an achilles injury earlier in the same week.

"I’ve just seen [Ellis] in there and I’m sure is down about it but he’s not really showing that outwardly and that’s a testament to the sort of character he is,” Hurst said.

"And he’ll still very much have his part to play in the dressing room and around the place. He’s a cheery character and we just wish him the speediest recovery he can have.

"I think he’s due to see a specialist on Wednesday when we’ll find out a little bit more, whether it’s definitive, in terms of a timeframe, I’m not quite sure, but as I said the other day an absolutely minimum of two months.

"Hopefully that’s what it will be in the end and we can get him back training and back playing.”

Town’s only route to add to their squad before January is via the free agent market but Hurst says he’s not had too many agents on the phone reminding him of their player’s availability.

"No, I’m aware of a couple, but how many there are out there [I don’t know],” he said. "So no, it’s not like before the window shut certainly.

"We’ll keep looking, but at the minute the priority is the game and then arrangements ready for our long trip to Swansea.

"But people are looking at things and will be taking calls etc to see if there’s anything which can help us along the way.”

He says he’s not yet considering recalling Drinan, 20, from National League Sutton, where he is yet to score in four league starts and eight sub appearances.

"Not at the minute, in truth. We’ve got Kayden Jackson and we’ve got Freddie Sears, admittedly not a similar type to what we’ve lost or to Aaron.

"Maybe it’s a chance for them to have a run of games, certainly one of them and then along the way if nothing does change, it might be a case of giving a younger player an opportunity.

"So, we’ll see how the situation develops and how we’re going, but certainly one thing is that we don’t want to suffer another injury in that department, so fingers crossed we won’t get that.”

Hurst says the facility to recall Drinan is available to him, although the same isn’t the case with Ben Morris, who is with League Two Forest Green Rovers, while Ben Folami is currently away with the Australia U19s.

"I think with Aaron’s we can but there’s a few out on loan. I don’t know [if we will look to do that]. If it really comes to it and I think that’s the best course of action then that’s what we’ll look at.

"But at the minute, while we haven’t got tons of options, I want to focus on what we have got and hopefully we can get performances out of them and the team to help us get the results we want.”

Hurst says Jack Lankester, 17, could come into his thoughts for a place in the squad having impressed in the U23s this season.

"Possibly, he’s certainly been bright since I joined the football club,” he said. "I think every time I’ve watched him he’s done something.

"It’s not always been over the course of the game, but he’s always had moments and he’s scored a couple of goals.

"I’ve mentioned before that we gave him the pro contract and he’s got something about him that’s very likeable as well as some quality on the pitch.

"That might be someone [who could come into my thoughts]. He’ll play for the U23s today but he’s not off the radar that’s for sure.”

What to read next:

Morsy: The Best Spell of My Career and Life
Departing Town captain Sam Morsy has issued a message to fans, teammates, manager Kieran McKenna and his staff following confirmation of his move to Kuwait SC, while the squad and ex-players have paid their own tributes to the Egyptian international.
Town Confirm Morsy Exit For Kuwait SC
Town skipper Sam Morsy’s move to Kuwait SC has been confirmed.
Town Announce Matchday Ticket Prices
Town have confirmed their matchday ticket prices for the Championship season ahead.
Luongo Close to Joining Millwall
Former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo is closing in on joining Millwall following his trial with the Lions.
Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Released Forward Roberts Joins Stevenage
Released Blues U21s forward Matty Roberts has joined League One Stevenage following a trial.
Young Close to Completing Town Move
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is close to completing a move to the Blues on a one-year deal.