Owen Garvan's future continues to be the subject of speculation this afternoon with a Town player quoted as saying the situation is disrupting the club's pre-season preparations. Garvan, back from his unscheduled trip back to Ireland, is rumoured to be considering giving up football.

The unnamed player says Garvan's absence has provided an unnecessary distraction: “The rest of the lads are far from happy. It does nothing for team spirit and that's what pre-season should be all about - improving fitness and gelling as a team.”

Town have repeatedly sought to play down the rumours, saying the Irishman had been allowed to return to Dublin to sort some personal issues. Garvan himself was quoted earlier today saying he was happy and looking forward to rejoining the squad.

However, later reports claim the 19-year-old has been suggesting he is unhappy with life as a professional footballer since April when he hinted to team-mates that he might not return for the new season.

The Irishman, contracted to the Blues until 2009, has been included in the 24-man party travelling to Loughborough University for this week's training camp and is expected to play a part in the friendlies at Burton and Kettering.

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