TWTD understands that Shane O’Connor is on trial with League Two new boys Crawley Town. The 21-year-old was notable by his absence from the reserves side which won 3-2 at Bury Town last night, having previously been omitted from the pre-season tour of Holland.

The Republic of Ireland U21 international played on the left of midfield for Crawley in an 8-1 friendly victory at East Grinstead Town on Tuesday night and scored a goal.

O’Connor has a year remaining on his Blues contract but has always appeared likely to move on this summer having played only 16 minutes of senior football - as a sub in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Arsenal - since Paul Jewell took over as manager in January.

The Cork-born midfielder or left-back, who turned down a loan move to Hereford United last November, said last week that he’s happy at Town but was realistic about his prospects at Portman Road: “I want to be playing for Ipswich and I will keep knocking on the door of the squad and the first team.

“I think I could do well in the Championship but different managers like different things and you have to respect that. I am not really sure what is going to happen. I am at an age where I want and need to be playing.”

O’Connor was with Roy Keane's old Rockmount club as a youngster and was signed by the Blues’ former boss after a trial in the summer of 2009 having been released by Liverpool’s academy during the previous campaign.

Photo: Action Images

FrowsyArmLarry added 09:48 - Jul 21 I guess we don't need two Jaime Peters'
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hodgie1989 added 09:51 - Jul 21 I don't understand why Jewell doesn't like him. I rate him very highly, when he played against Leicester last year he did very well. He is much faster than Kennedy and I know he is lacking experience but he is still a very good young player. I haven't seen Cresswell yet but surely one of them could play left midfield which would release Lee Martin to play on the right which to be honest didn't look strong last year.

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muhrensleftfoot added 09:52 - Jul 21 It's odd how he seems to have dropped out of the picture, when he put in several decent first team performances under the old regime. Same has happened with Peters and Hyam. The other big disappointment is Civelli. I suspect he'll never make it as a regular, and will just disappear into oblivion when his contract expires.
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the_toff added 09:56 - Jul 21 Shame he can't defend as he looked decent going forward. Will never make a left back with his inability to defend but could be a decent left sided midfielder in the future - he needs games though. Dropping to a L2 club with a bit of money to spend and ambition is exactly what he needs.
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WoodfordTim added 10:00 - Jul 21 Shame, he looked a very good player to me. Wish him well finding another club. Pity that Peters, Hyam & Civelli not featuring much either. This is the toughest part of the job for PJ, but the head must rule the heart.
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LancsBlue added 10:07 - Jul 21 If he moves we should make sure theres a good sell-on clause because he could go on to do quite well for a club like Crawley and thus attract interest from bigger clubs in future. Ideal move for him. Good luck, hope it comes off.
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trueblues78 added 10:09 - Jul 21 I agree. I think he was a great prospect and played well when given the chance. But you never know what has gone on. Good luck to him!! I have a feeling this won't be the last time we see him at champ level. Good luck
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churchmans added 10:18 - Jul 21 to all you bickheads moaning about o'connor this o'connor that why dont they play him his qaulity no one give youth a chance! well o'fookin dear hes that good and you lot that stupid with regards to players he now on trial at CRAWLEY like i keep saying CHURCHMANS the speaker of truth and facts. whatever bickhead reckon his better than kennedy better start going to watch bury at ram meadow! absolutley clueless about football

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Stadiumofdark added 10:19 - Jul 21 I'd rather keep him and get rid of JP.... at least O'Connor has a position... JP is average everywhere... but not good in any
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Wallingford_Boy added 10:20 - Jul 21 He's trouble, which is why he is off.
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churchmans added 10:21 - Jul 21 we going up this year we aint got time to carry passengers! and come with the shhit about developing youngsters, thats what russel osman is doing with the under 17's
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churchmans added 10:24 - Jul 21 wallingford boy! you need to change it to wallingford bwoy!!
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Warkys_Tash added 10:36 - Jul 21 Crazy! Such a lovely little player..last appearance he was great against Leicester in the snow?..not sure what he has done wrong..but then we never know what goes on behind the scenes..wmaybe he & Peters went out on a few Benders??...who knows!
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TractorMan added 10:40 - Jul 21 Jewell sees him day in and day out and wouldn't be letting him go if he thought he could do a job. We don't know his attitude around the club every day, just the cameos he has made on the pitch. Also if he was as good as some make out here it wouldn't just be Crawley taking him on trial..
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Essexnblue added 10:50 - Jul 21 If you dont train or are late then sometimes attitude determines your contract!
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jonnysuave added 11:13 - Jul 21 Chrutchmans, sorry Crurhcmans, or is that Churchmans. You need to communicate clearly. Your outrage at posters on this site is blunted somewhat by your inability to type. So Crutchmans, you will only ever be speaker of Facts and Truth if you employ a spell checker.... And didn't talk such sh£t
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WorcesterBlue added 11:23 - Jul 21 Personally I thought he had potential and worked hard when given a chance but as people have said, we don't know what has gone on behind the scenes. I am getting just a bit worried about our squad though if we aren't going to give youth a chance at least...lots of young players out (plus two stalwarts) then having to pay to bring other people's players in.....? Mind you if its the likes of Danny Ings bring 'em on.

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cornishnick added 11:49 - Jul 21 Better than League 2 surely?
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AlanMahon2011 added 11:55 - Jul 21 Shouldnt let him go! he's class! he's never put a foot wrong for town and now this happens WTF? WE NEED A RB and CB JEWELL!!
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Superfrans added 12:16 - Jul 21 Much too good for Crawley. This one will come back to bite us on the arse, I fear.
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Guthrum added 12:17 - Jul 21 Not to knock the lad, but even under Keane last season he was mostly used as a late sub, only playing one full game in the League (Burnley) and only starting one other (Leicester in the snow). He also didn't play in the first team for three months after picking up that hamstring injury with the RoI U21s. Then only got 20 mins as a late sub in the League Cup - a game already virtually lost - under Jewell. Possibly, actually, not considered good enough?

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whoppit added 12:19 - Jul 21 Another Keane cast off about to depart. Crawley is about his level.
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Fatboy added 12:52 - Jul 21 Liverpool to Ipswich to Crawley. Surely you'd want your career to head in the other direction? I rate O'Connor much higher than League 2 and reckon he would get into the first team of about half the clubs currently in the Championship.
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Kitman added 12:55 - Jul 21 you may find that Crawley (already tipped by bookies as favourites) will rip through Div 2 next season and may even be quite a force in Div 1. In which case, you might see why a lad like O'Connor is eyeing the move down to Broadfield... As for ability, loath him as most do, Steve Evans can put a decent side together. He rarely buys rubbish.
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NITFC added 13:08 - Jul 21 Crawley Town will be getting a real gem (Jewell?) here. He will shine at League 2 level. Sad he is going, I really rate him
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