Loanee midfielder Simon Walton says he expects to return to Charlton after Town's New Year's Day game at home to Birmingham City. Walton has been on loan with the Blues since August, making 13 starts and five sub appearances and scoring three goals.

The former Leeds man said: “It is time I settled down, and Charlton is my club.

“The Valley is where I want to play my football. I cannot see myself coming back to Ipswich.

“I spoke to the Charlton general manager this week and he confirmed that I will be going back on January 2nd.

“I did OK at Leeds and have done OK at Ipswich. Now it is a new challenge for me - to do OK at Charlton.”

Last week Town manager Jim Magilton said he will talk to Charlton regarding extending Walton's spell at Portman Road and also to Crystal Palace with a view to Jon Macken spending longer with the Blues.

Meanwhile, Town were represented at Crewe Alexandra's 3-2 home defeat to Yeovil Town. Blues midfielder Martin Brittain was in action for the Glovers, while Town have previously been linked with Alex midfielder David Vaughan and striker Luke Varney.

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