Scouts from Birmingham and Coventry were interested spectators as sub Jason Scotland scored one and created another during the Blues’ 2-1 victory over Leeds at Portman Road on Saturday. But the Trinidadian striker insists he wants to stay at Town and fight for a place in Paul Jewell’s side.

Scotland said: “I’ve worked very hard in pre-season, and I don’t want to leave here. I love this place, the club and the people.

“I can only do what the manager asks me to do, and to get this chance was just what I needed. But it’s not just about me. Everyone was working so hard around me as we chased the game.

"We have terrific supporters, and I’m just so pleased for them that we have ended a bad run,” he added.

Jewell says he is no hurry to sell any of his players but admits that everyone has their price: “Arsenal can’t keep hold of Fabregas and Nasri, so if someone comes in and offers silly money for any player [we’d consider it] but we’re not kicking them out of the door.

“I’ve said all along, every player here, as long as they give everything, will be considered. Whoever that is.”

Speaking after Saturday’s game, the Blues manager says he has been impressed with the attitude and work ethic shown by Scotland, whose Town contract is up next summer: “I have to pick a team. I see them every day in training. I see who looks sharp and Jason has done well. He’s been in and out but he’s never sulked.

“He’s worked hard, he’s knuckled down and today he scored a terrific goal and was involved in the second one.

“I can only pick five subs and you want people to give you problems. But tonight is the wrong night to talk about players going or selling them. I think Jason deserves a pat on the back because he hasn’t sulked he’s just got on with it.”

The 32-year-old was linked with his former club Swansea earlier in the summer, while Sheffield Wednesday were also said to be interested.

Jewell was keeping any developments regarding any further Town signings very much to himself: “There might be and if there’s any news, we’ll let you know!”

Photo: Action Images

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