Striker Connor Wickham has reiterated his commitment to the Blues. The 17-year-old, who was watched by England U21s coach Stuart Pearce last night, says he is keen to play in the Premier League, but ideally with the Blues.

Writing in last night’s programme, Wickham says there is little truth in many of the reports regarding his future: “To be fair, I don’t really read the papers. I know there has been speculation but I know most of what has been written about me is not true.

“I hear stuff from what my mates tell me and I have got some stick from the lads with the stories about me going to this club and that club. It’s all good banter but nothing more than that.”

Most of the Premier League’s top clubs have been watching Wickham since his time in Town’s academy with Tottenham repeatedly linked with the Hereford-born frontman over the last year or so.

Last night’s Carling Cup opponents Arsenal have also been mentioned in connection with the one-time Reading academy schoolboy on more than a few occasions, as have Chelsea and Manchester United.

Former Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson was a big fan, both during his time at Anfield and at Fulham, and the Merseysiders are understood to be amongst those most keen to test Town’s resolve regarding the 6ft 3in tall striker.

Wickham, who is able to sign an extension to the year and a half left on his current contract when he turns 18 on March 31st, says he’d like to play in the top flight with Town: “I want to play at the highest level against the best players around. Hopefully I can do that at Ipswich. I know I’m at the right club to progress as a player.

“Playing against Chelsea on Sunday gave me a look at what you’ve got to do to play at that level.”

Photo: Action Images

dazz added 11:00 - Jan 13 Thought Connor was fantastic last night especially his defensive duties as well! It's good to hear and roll on Milwall!
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CleverTrevor added 11:02 - Jan 13 Chelsea showed he has plenty to learn before he tries to take on defenders as good as Terry on a regular basis - last night shows what he can if he applies himself and is well motivated. He'd be best placed to stay for another season or two at least.
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truckertractorboy added 11:10 - Jan 13 Well done connor good game last night , he was everywhere would like to push his career on abit now and start banging in a few
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Lightningboy added 11:28 - Jan 13 Great game last night Connor..more of the same please. As for moving on,he's only 17 and should give us another couple of years at least...he'll learn more playing in the championship week in week out than sitting on the bench in the prem.
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NW10_Tractor added 11:30 - Jan 13 Played out of position but gave Eboue hell - Hopefully with Porno PJ at the Helm Connor may just get the help he needs to control his attitude and channel his energies more directly to make he more efficient. Chuffed that he is showing his commitment to Ipswich: Nice one Bud!
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tallguy6767 added 11:35 - Jan 13 Good lad !! Awesome performance last night, keep doing that most weeks and you will be playing in prem in no time, hopefully with the town
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TractorRoyNo1 added 11:37 - Jan 13 good lad, keep your down, score some goals and the world is your lobster
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itfc1981 added 11:40 - Jan 13 King Connor does it again!
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bigolconnor added 11:42 - Jan 13 What a versatile carthorse. From my seat in the clouds it looked as though the Gooner dandies were genuinely scared of him. If we can get a left winger in between now and the 25th, play a 4-4-2 with Connor just behind Priskin, and play with the same heart and desire that we did last night, maybe just maybe...
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bobble added 11:49 - Jan 13 no maybes we are heading up
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brian_a_mul added 11:52 - Jan 13 He has his fitness back. A run of games to build form and confidence will do him the world of good. Lets hope he stays injury free for the rest of the season. He proved he can play out wide, another string to his bow!
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bigolconnor added 11:57 - Jan 13 Just needs to attach one more string and he'll be firin them arrows into the back of the net
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muhrensleftfoot added 12:02 - Jan 13 Good news. Much better for his development getting regular games with us instead of reserve team football at Arsenal/Liverpool/Tottenham. I reckon PJ will have his preferred front two as Scotland & Priskin, but Wickham coming off the bench as an impact super sub, and also injury cover for either of the 1st choices.
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blue added 12:02 - Jan 13 Yep weldone the whole team last night i predicted us winning and so well we did.I like the way healy played his part last night aswell especially the way he fed priskin upfront. I itching for civelli to get on the pitch can someone push him off the bench as soon as he plants his bottom on it.
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Youth added 12:05 - Jan 13 hopefully now keane out he will start and show everyone what he can do, great game lastnighr connor mate
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Keaneish added 12:05 - Jan 13 Its been a long long time where we've had a player at Portman Road who when he has the ball you're confident something will happen. Hi work rate and desire were there to match last night. Hopefully we'll get the same at Millwall Saturday.
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Stewards_Enquiry added 12:13 - Jan 13 He is still growing also never 6 3 more like 6 4/5 now it hard to develop and to keep playing 90 minutes week in week out ! Connor stick with us lad !!
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BlueVelvet added 12:31 - Jan 13 Hi house mates say that he has set his heart on Liverpool - not a good move at the moment though. Lets hope ME and Oly Clegg listen to PJ over the matter transfers. Did I hear Oly correct on the radio last night say that no one could complain that he or ME didn't give RK enough time to prove himself. Well, we are complaining that you gave him too much time - the club has slipped down the table on your watch Oly, you know it, and unless you deliver some results soon Oly your kneck must be put on the line.

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frontaxe added 13:09 - Jan 13 wickham played great last night, put himself in good stead with the new manager, as did priskin
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Back_The_Boss added 13:46 - Jan 13 Wickham, Priskin and Scotland in a 4-4-3 formation. We must play more attackingly and take the game to our opponents.
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Upbeat~ added 14:25 - Jan 13 "I don't really read the papers". Classic!
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Suffolk_n_Proud added 14:45 - Jan 13 4-4-3 would deffo be more attacking, i take it the keeper would be in the 4 man defence?
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I_8_NARWICH added 15:59 - Jan 13 Last night Wickham was awesome i really liked him in that role because not only can he use his muscle going forward but he also used it when defending. I hope Jewell keeps him there for a few games (at least until Leadbitter is back).
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bigolconnor added 16:14 - Jan 13 Leadbitter needs to be left out of the starting line up until e learns that he is not the team. Last night we looked more dangerous from set pieces than we have all season.
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camposlocks added 16:52 - Jan 13 4-3-3 is the way out of the championship. attack is best form of defence, especially with our back four. Also think Leadbitter is a waste of space, can't take set pieces, Richard Wright had more variety from his goal kicks and that's saying something. COYB
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