Ryan Fraser wants to give dad Graeme the perfect present on Saturday when he will be making his first-ever visit to Portman Road.

Mr and Mrs Fraser will be spending their first Christmas in several years with their son, who believes he knows how to best celebrate the family reunion.

The 21-year-old winger, on a season-long loan from Bournemouth, said: “I’m sure every footballer’s dad is a big influence.

“Everyone I speak to tells me their dads took them to the local park, just as mine did. He also took time off work to take me to training and he would come to all the away games when I was younger.

“Dad spent a lot of money on petrol and on paying for me to attend coaching courses, so I have a lot to thank him for. I’m just trying to do the best I can in my career so that I can help him out when I’m older.”

Fraser travelled almost the length of the country when he moved from his native Aberdeen in the north of Scotland to join Bournemouth and added: “It was a big decision but there are a lot of sacrifices that some footballers make. In any job there’s the good and the bad.

“For me it was an opportunity to improve my career and it just happened to be a long way from home. Mum and Dad were right behind me all the way so that was nice.

“I’m looking forward to Christmas more than ever this year because my Mum and Dad are down from Aberdeen to spend some time with me. I hadn’t seen them in a while so it’s nice to catch up with them.

“I’m glad to see them because in the last three years they didn’t come down so it was just me and my dog.

“This is my Dad’s first time in Ipswich and he likes it. He’ll see his first game on Saturday and he’s really looking forward to it.

“I would want to start anyway but with my Dad here I want to start and score a goal for him. If I don’t score, an assist would be great, but the main thing is that we win. I’m sure he’ll enjoy it.

“It’s always nice to be at home on Boxing Day because you don’t want to be travelling on Christmas Day. We’re in for training at nine o’clock on Christmas Day when the gaffer will have us doing our little bits in preparation for the QPR game.”

Fraser’s dog Maisie is happy that her owner is now fully fit again after his injury put a stop to her walks for a while. The player said: “When I’d had the operation and I was on crutches she was just looking at me because she wanted me to take her out for a walk.

“She has been a big part of my life down in Bournemouth because when I got back from training I would take her out.

“It helped to keep my feet on the ground and stuff like that. It’s nice to have a dog because it gives me something to do.”

Midfielder Cole Skuse said last week how much Fraser had been missed during his three-month injury absence, even branding him a “dressing room clown” for his sense of humour and also poking fun at the clothes he wears.

But Fraser explained: “I got on with the boys here from day one. I didn’t want to shy away so I decided to get stuck in as far as the banter was concerned.

“I’m glad they like me because I like them too. I wouldn’t say I’m a prankster; it’s just a case that if somebody is dishing it out to me I won’t be afraid to give it back.

“Skusey had a go at my clothes, did he? Well, maybe when I first came here I didn’t spend enough money on myself to be honest, but I like to think I’ve improved since then.”

Photo: Action Images

carsey added 06:36 - Dec 24 Frazer has been arguably our best player this season and has undoubted quality. Hopefully Mr Frazer senior won't be too disappointed at the quality of football on offer at Portman Road and his lad scores a couple. Whatever happens I want to beat money bags QPR who personify the other extreme of the FFP rules that Town are determined to stick with.
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sidtheswan added 09:01 - Dec 24 Hope he starts against QPR we don't look as good without him
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ArnieM added 09:04 - Dec 24 If there was a Father Crimbo , Id love him to deliver a late present to ITFC in the form of Fraser - for keeps.
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WeWereZombies added 10:50 - Dec 24 You are our Fraser Our Ryan Fraser You makes happy, 'cause you're a Blue We'll only notice how much we miss you When Bournemouth take you away
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itsonlyme added 11:03 - Dec 24 No doubt about it, Fraser should be the first name on the team sheet. He is exciting when he has the ball at his feet and he tends to go forward and not look to pass back all the time. He must be a defenders biggest nightmare. Can't praise him enough. He could be the difference between play-offs and the also-rans!
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