Town boss Mick McCarthy has revealed that Stoke City defender Danny Higginbotham is set to remain with the Blues for the rest of the season, while Bilel Mohsni will return to Southend. Both players’ current spells are due to end after Saturday’s game at Wolves.

McCarthy says he has talked to Potters boss Tony Pulis about Higginbotham, who wants to stay with the Blues: “I spoke to Tony, he’s happy to do that and Danny is as well, so we just need to tie that up.”

The Blues manager says Higginbotham, whose Stoke contract is up at the end of the season, will be looking to win back his place in the side having been on the bench in recent weeks: “Danny started well against Birmingham but by his own admission didn’t play as well in a couple of the other games.

“I made a change, I have to be fair I was having a look at all the players, and unfortunately for Danny the two we’ve got in, Chambo and Tommy, have been excellent together and he’s been pushed down the pecking order. But he’s all right, he wants to fight for his place.”

Whether Higginbotham’s new loan will be done in time for him to be available for the Brighton match on New Year’s Day remains to be seen: “I hope I’m going to find that out today," McCarthy added.

Higginbotham, who celebrates his 34th birthday tomorrow, has made 11 starts and one sub appearance since moving to Portman Road in September.

Regarding versatile Frenchman Mohsni, the Town boss confirmed that he will be returning to Southend having made only five substitute appearances since joining the Blues at the beginning of October: “He’s been on the bench, he’s been involved, but I haven’t picked him and he’s not going to get picked. I want to do something different in the window, use the loan elsewhere if I can.”

In terms of new additions, McCarthy says no deals are imminent: “I’ve spoken to loads of managers. Nothing’s going to happen immediately.

“As it is with January, everyone would like it settled for January 1st but it’s not going to happen because other teams will wait and see what they’re going to get in and see how it changes.”

Photo: Action Images

ericclacton added 10:06 - Dec 28 He obviously was not what the Boss was looking for, pity.
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UhlenbeekDownTheWing added 10:07 - Dec 28 Feels like two logical decisions. Higginbotham is a very strong back-up CB for Championship level, he will keep Smith and Chambers on their toes for starting spots. Would have liked to have seen more of Mohsni, but suspect we haven't due to the fact he isn't very good...
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Michael11 added 10:09 - Dec 28 Shame that Mohsni never really had a chance to show what he can do but at least thats one player staying here until the end of the season. I really hope Mick buys players in the summer, we will never have success with players in and out the door so quickly!
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kerryblue added 10:32 - Dec 28 As expected really,was a step too far for Mohsni
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JustSpivvyChops added 10:32 - Dec 28 Higginbotham isn't good enough, but as we have no back up at CB at all, what choice does MM have? Need to buy a CB in the window.
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ITFC_1_Fan added 10:34 - Dec 28 I agree with this decision. Moshni looked okay when he came on but he isnt a player that will take us into the premiership. We need Danny as cover incase smith and chambers have poor games/get injured and it provides more competition.
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Stato added 10:42 - Dec 28 Well done Mick, spot on with both decisions. Higginbotham will do a job for the remainder of the season and the reason why us fans haven't seen much of Moshni is because he hasn't impressed in traiing enough to break in the side. Moshni did make the bench so implies Mick is bringing in at least 1 new face.
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Dissboyitfc added 10:46 - Dec 28 I dont really rate Higginbotham, past his best now. Shame about Moshni.... coyb
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muccletonjoe added 10:55 - Dec 28 Higginbotham is ok as a stand-by and i think he is possilbly as good as we are going to get to fill that roll , moshni on the other hand , never looked as though he was going to make it at this level and it comes as no surprise that he has gone back to southend
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Carrotblue added 10:58 - Dec 28 Two good decisions
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DurhamTownFan added 11:06 - Dec 28 Can't argue with either, really. While Smith and Chambers look decent together, MM is unlikely to be able to offer a nailed-on starting place to another CB (unless he is a real class act). As for Mohsni, MM has probably had a look at him in training, and realised that he's not quite up to it. Otherwise he would have thrown him on a bit more often. Hope his mats at Southend don't bully him too much for leaving!

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runningout added 11:11 - Dec 28 not surprised Stoke not fussed about Higginbotham returning, he would be a spare part there.. we need a younger hungrier CB
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runningout added 11:14 - Dec 28 Prove me wrong DH
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itfcjc added 11:19 - Dec 28 Moshni loves the club though He sat with the fans at the Valley Higginbotham is ok back up but we need someone better
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Edmunds5 added 11:24 - Dec 28 Not shocked by this, Mick seems to like experience, especially in an area where we don't have much of it (CB), and Higginbotham provides that. I would have like to of seen Mohsni play more but I think he is probably seen as a free spirit, someone who Mick didn't bring in and isn't entirely sure what he's about. On the positive side it gives Mick the option of bringing in a more valuable loan player of his own choice who could have more of an impact on the team.

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bluemikey100 added 11:35 - Dec 28 thats 1 loan gone another be DJ but hope we can sign him on permantly as he doesnt want to be out on loan anymore
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algarvefan added 11:59 - Dec 28 Both good decisions, could it be that we have finally found the right man for the job after 'The Dark Lord and Jewellio'? Time will tell but so far so good Mick!!!!
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casanovacrow added 12:15 - Dec 28 Mohsni looked like he had the right attitude, and covered a number of positions. Higginbotham looked slow and not all that intelligent for an experienced player on what is bound to be big wages. got to trust in Mick though, seems to be getting it right on the pitch
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Mark added 12:27 - Dec 28 It's no shock that Moshni is leaving and I am a little surprised that Higginbotham wants to stay to the end of the season seeing as he is not in the starting 11. It makes sense to keep him as experienced cover though. I am really glad that Chambers and Smith are doing a decent job at centre back for us now seeing as they are both our players rather than loans.
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jas0999 added 13:08 - Dec 28 Not at all surprised that Mohsni is going back. Strange signing to start with. I am however surprised that we are retaining the services of Higginbotham. Not good enough in my opinion. Assume it's simply for back-up in case MM can't sign a permanent CB in the transfer window.
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3_5_2 added 13:11 - Dec 28 Itfcjc The fact Moshni is sitting in the stands rather than on the bench says it all Passion is not enough. Southend don't want him back as he is a trouble maker. Not as good as he thinks he is and certainly not what we need. Waste of a loan space
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StuartBrett8 added 13:20 - Dec 28 Although 'Higgo' is 34 he is still adequate cover for 'Chambo' and 'Smitho' ... hopefully we can get him for keeps at the end of the season, and maybe another CB in january possibly Stearman?
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bence added 13:23 - Dec 28 Glad we're keeping Danny, moshni has been a bit of a bench warmer so no major loss just hope we can keep our super star DJ Campbell. BLUE ARMY
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itfchorry added 14:07 - Dec 28 Thought that It was great that Moshni came and sat with us at Charlton. Shame that we didn't get to see more of him.
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RetroBlue added 14:53 - Dec 28 Mohsni leaving to make way for Stearman (spl) coming in on loan with view to buy in summer?
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