Town are understood to have offered trialist Shane O'Connor a one-year contract at Portman Road. The Irishman was released by Liverpool towards the end of last season.

Versatile O'Connor, 18, played up front and on the left of midfield in the 8-0 reserves win at Gorleston last week, scoring twice, and at left-back in Friday's first team friendly at Waterford. He was also an unused sub in today's 2-0 friendly defeat to Cork City, his hometown club.

Prior to his spell at Anfield, O'Connor was with Rockmount, the side where manager Roy Keane's brother Pat is currently a member of the first team and where the Town boss was a player as a youngster.

Capped twice by the Republic of Ireland at U19 level having previously played for the U17s, O'Connor is an international team-mate of academy striker Ronan Murray.

After today's game Keane reiterated that he will be looking to sell players as well as bring them into the club: "I'll have to wheel and deal myself.

"I've to move on one or two players before we bring any players into the club but, yes, I'm hoping to bring in one or two.

"Then again, I think if you ask any manager in the Football League they'll all be saying exactly the same thing.

"It all depends on waiting on calls back, but a lot would maybe depend on letting a few players go."

Meanwhile, reported Town target Paul McShane will be out of action for more than three months as he needs surgery on a knee injury sustained early in Sunderland's pre-season campaign.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls