Boss Jim Magilton has commented for the first time on Owen Garvan's recent return home to Dublin and the Irishman's apparent intention to give up football. Magilton confirmed that homesickness is at the root of Garvan's recent problems and says he has held heart-to-heart talks with the midfielder.

Magilton said: “Owen has things going on in Dublin and he is a 19-year-old lad who gets very homesick at times.

“I can empathise with that because I went through that as a youngster and I still miss home at times.”

Magilton says Garvan, described as a complicated and thoughtful character, is still very much in love with football, but is perhaps having trouble coming to terms with his current situation.

Reports earlier in the week said Garvan's homesick has been a problem for some time, but we understand that matters came to a head as the Dubliner was unhappy with Town's new pre-season plans which saw the players return to Playford Road early for three-day sessions from June 12th. Garvan would have preferred either to be back at home with his family for a longer period or in training full-time.

The former Home Farm player returned to Suffolk after his extended break last weekend and played a part in the friendlies at Burton and Kettering.

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