New loan signing Paul Digby hopes he can get his career back on track with the Blues, having joined from Barnsley until the end of the season with a view to a permanent deal.

“I’m buzzing to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” the 20-year-old told Ipswich Player HD.

“The move has been on the cards for a little while as I have been training with the lads for a few weeks and I’ve settled in really well with all the boys.

“I haven’t played as much football as I would have liked at Barnsley but my match fitness is fine and I’m ready to go if called upon. This was an opportunity I just couldn’t turn down really.

“The gaffer’s career speaks for itself and I feel I can only benefit from working with him and his coaches day in, day out as well as training alongside established, quality Championship players.”

Sheffield-born Digby came through the Oakwell youth system and made his senior debut aged only 16, but has made just three appearances this season, one League One start and two matches from the bench in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Overall, he has made 11 starts and 14 sub appearances for the Tykes.

“I sort of burst on the scene at Barnsley and then things haven’t quite worked out,” the 6ft 4in tall former England U19 and U20 international admitted. “But I’m hoping to get my career back on track with Ipswich now.

“I’m a quite a versatile player and I’ve played most of my football in central midfield for Barnsley, but I think the gaffer sees me as more of a centre-back.

“I can also play at right-back but to be honest I’m just happy to help out wherever I can. I was at the Burnley game sat in with the fans and they made a lot of noise, so I’m just itching to get started and play in front of them now.”

Paul Digby says he already feels 'at home' with Town, despite only being at #itfc for a couple of weeks #itfc https://t.co/tqX8ujheIn

— Ipswich Town FC (@Official_ITFC) January 4, 2016

Digby, who spent time on trial with Manchester United earlier this year, is contracted to Barnsley until the summer of 2017.

Meanwhile, Ebbsfleet winger Shilow Tracey, 17, who spent time on trial with the Blues late last year and featured for the U21s, is expected to join Tottenham following a lengthy spell training with the Premier League club.

Photo: ITFC

Photo: Action Images

bluehook added 15:42 - Jan 4 Saying all the things young players are well rehearsed in, except that he didn't mention TC. That'll be double hard training for a month!
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Stato added 15:48 - Jan 4 You don't get too many 6 ft 4 inch right backs so I guess he is back up for the centre backs and that's fair enough.
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Big_Steve added 15:59 - Jan 4 So let me get this straight, we've brought in on loan a lanky midfielder who hasn't cut it at Barnsley to act as a back-up centre-half or possibly right-back (with RB Josh Emmanuel returning to the club)? Good-oh.
4

jayessess added 15:59 - Jan 4 Brave man trying to make it as a centre half at Ipswich. McCarthy's shown no inclination to ever drop Smith and Berra, seemingly regardless of form. Then there's Malarczyk, Yorwerth and Clarke...
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Cakeman added 16:07 - Jan 4 Welcome to the Tractor Boys Paul. I hope it works out for both him and the club but please let us not write him off before has even kicked a ball for us! Hopefully he will get an opportunity to play at some point. The back current back four look solid at the moment but form can quickly change.
17

DurhamTownFan added 16:08 - Jan 4 Agreed: do we really need another central defender? MM just can't help himself! But, you never know. He could turn out to be a great signing. Best of luck to the lad!
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jayessess added 16:35 - Jan 4 @Cakeman : But their form did change, didn't it? Our defence has alternated between solid and utterly useless, Mick's preferences have not.
0

dubblue added 16:58 - Jan 4 Agree, wish him the best but am confused where he will play as he appears to have played most of his football in midfield.
1

Popeye added 17:01 - Jan 4 Digby, Isn't he the geeky doctor from Holby City!!
1

ArnieM added 17:07 - Jan 4 So now we finally have 2 CB's Digby, Melacheck ( 3 with Yorewth on loan ) Who can cover and pressure the current CB 's for the shirt. I don't think Mick has had any real viable cover until now. Both Digby and Melacheck appear comfortable on the ball which neither Berra nor Smith are, IMO. So we have the potential of a more mobile and footballing CB pairing. But first they have to get that shirt off Berra and Smith. No easy task!

5

Bluetone added 17:23 - Jan 4 Is McCarthy going for an ultra safe 9 - 0 - 1 system? Just asking.
3

blueboy1981 added 17:36 - Jan 4 ........ would have preferred to have seen an established RB, or even a promising young one. This lad doesn't appear to fit that bill - however, give him a chance as an addition to the squad - and it appears he fits the main criteria of costing nowt ....... or very little.
2

RRanger added 17:50 - Jan 4 England u19 and U20 international will do me. One for the future.
6

jas0999 added 18:21 - Jan 4 Good luck to him, I wish him well.
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Kirbmeister added 18:56 - Jan 4 Cakeman - don't take any notice of the moaners or anyone who even suggests Berra should be dropped which I'm sure I just read unless it's a dream.
1

vanmunt added 19:16 - Jan 4 Is that Micks tactics chalk board behind him..
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warbeat78 added 19:22 - Jan 4 Good post arniem Vertonghen& mascherano barcelona both former center mid players comfort at the back is what weve been lacking
3

Langdon_Blue added 19:26 - Jan 4 A promising young versatile player, sounds hungry too. Good luck to him, certainly worth a further look, as he must have impressed in training with our first team.
6

JohnyJohnson added 20:05 - Jan 4 Could this mean we may lose a defender this transfer window? Oh yeah just remembered part is tipped to go
1

JohnyJohnson added 20:05 - Jan 4 Parr
0

irishtim added 20:12 - Jan 4 Thinkwe have nothing to lose here and he has everything to gain. Best of luck young man. Hope you prove to be another gem like Tyrone Mings.
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Gforce added 20:14 - Jan 4 Anyone aware of the rumour of a possible bid being made for George Moncur at Colchester.
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Steelmonkey added 20:25 - Jan 4 "but I think the gaffer sees me as more of a centre-back." So has MM had more than one offer to sell a player in the January window, exit Parr and one other central defender? Anyway, are we short of centre-backs at the moment! Already got three in the side, one more and it will equal the four that Keano had. Sounds like another MM punt to me, if he gets the chance to play. Division one player that can't get a game, I think you will find it a little tougher to get one here on a regular basis. Go on then son give it your best shot, welcome to PR.

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blueherts added 20:29 - Jan 4 Moncur would be great - type of player I think we need , with Bish out for a while As for Digby , must have had a good youth career and you got to be pretty decent to play England u so lets see ! u dont see that many 6'4 midfielders really - built more as a Centre back or target man He is obv good technically so I like it - nothing to lose Now go get Moncur - him and Sears will rekindle their times in WHU youths ?

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BlueandTruesince82 added 20:36 - Jan 4 This should be seen as nothing more than a extended trial, I doubt he'll get much first team action and I don't think for one min that's why he's signed. He's a big promising youngsters that we are taking a closer look at it, one for the future.
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