Former Town loan keeper Stephen Henderson is being linked with Blackburn Rovers in a swap deal which would see ex-England keeper Paul Robinson move to West Ham in the other direction. Last week, Blues boss Mick McCarthy said that the Irishman could return to Portman Road for a second spell.

Speaking on Friday, McCarthy said: “Hendo’s still an option but it would have to be a 24-hour recall and that just leaves us a bit exposed.

“I’ve spoken to Sam [Allardyce] and we’re both open to that if that is the best we can both do. I don’t mean best [in a disparaging way] because he’s a good keeper, Hendo. If the best we can do is with a 24-hour recall, then we’ll do it.”

Former England man Robinson, who is no longer the first choice at Ewood Park, played under Allardyce at Blackburn and the Hammers boss rates him very highly. Similarly, new Rovers manager Michael Appleton will know Henderson well from their time at Portsmouth together last season.

Elsewhere, Barnsley manager David Flitcroft was delighted with Jason Scotland’s goalscoring debut in the Tykes’ 2-0 home victory over Millwall last night.

Scotland, who joined Barnsley on a deal to the end of the season on Monday having had his Town contract settled earlier in the month, came on as a sub in the 66th minute and netted the Tykes’ second goal a minute later.

Flitcroft said: “Jason's finish was exquisite, but I look at his all-round game, his intelligence, runs and link-up play and he said to me before the game: 'Don't worry about me Flick, I've got an unbelievable touch and my movement is great.'

"His talk is unbelievable and how relaxed is he in his whole approach? But what a lovely fellow.

"I've only known him 24 hours, but there's already an excitement round him and a calmness and I look forward to working with him because he might have found a home here."

We understand the Blues rebuffed loan interest from Barnsley before November’s deadline due to both clubs’ involvement in the Championship’s relegation fight.

Flitcroft was delighted with his side’s performance as a whole, adding: “Jason played his part in what was an incredible team performance.”

Town are now only four points from the relegation zone after Barnsley's victory and Bristol City's home win against Watford.

Meanwhile, ex-loan striker DJ Campbell’s future is still to be resolved with Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway having ruled his side out of the running — “DJ Campbell won't be coming to us” — earlier in the week and talks with Hull having stalled due to the striker wanting a three-and-a-half-year contract.

Campbell wasn’t in the QPR squad for last night’s 0-0 draw with Manchester City because his father is unwell, according to boss Harry Redknapp: “DJ Campbell's father is very, very ill, so I wanted him to be with him.”

Earlier in the week, Redknapp said Campbell could move out on loan before the transfer window closes.

Blues boss Mick McCarthy had been interested in the 31-year-old returning to Portman Road, even after signing three other strikers, but gave up the chase when it appeared Town’s 10-goal top scorer had all but agreed a deal elsewhere.

Summer Blues target George Boyd is on the verge of joining Crystal Palace, the team he supported as a boy, from Peterborough, the clubs having agreed a fee. Boyd is talking terms with the Eagles.

Photo: Action Images

itfc1981 added 13:10 - Jan 30 Clegg take note Boyd wages demands were not to high.
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Bergholtblue added 13:41 - Jan 30 No news on Wordsworth? It was all but a done deal this time yesterday.
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walberswick added 15:09 - Jan 30 hendo's looking for a bench to warm, he'd get too many games at PR
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Surco72 added 15:22 - Jan 30 Totally agree with Jas0999!!! Scotland a great impact player off the bench and proven scorer in this league ,likewise Chopra both should have been played more under MM rather than McGoldrick and McClean whose Championship teams didnt think them good enough for the championship ? Would only agree with Scotland moving to a relegation team if the money was used to attract Campbell . For me Loach has done as well as Henderson did ,stick with him and get him some confidence unless a big name keeper will come in .

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