Town boss Mick McCarthy says he will not be offering striker Luke Varney a new contract but that full-back or midfielder Kevin Foley could stay at Portman Road.

Varney, 33, signed a short-term deal with the Blues in December having spent the previous six months undergoing rehab with Town after suffering a serious achilles injury during the play-offs while on loan from Blackburn, who subsequently released him in the summer.

In total, the much-travelled frontman has made 11 starts and 21 sub appearances for the Blues, scoring two goals.

“I have spoken to Reg today and told him we won’t be offering him anything,” McCarthy told Ipswich Player HD.

“He’s a top professional and a top person and I’d like to think we have both been good for each other.

“We looked after him when he snapped his achilles and he has repaid us with his professionalism and what he has done on the pitch for us.

“We have four strikers though - Murph, Didz, Freddie and Brett Pitman - and they have been in front of him because of injury and one reason and another."

Former Irish international Foley was reunited with his former Wolves boss McCarthy in January when he signed on a free transfer, agreeing a deal to the end of the season, having left FC Copenhagen the previous summer.

The 31-year-old has made six starts and two substitute appearances for Town.

“With Foles, it’s an ongoing discussion," the Town boss added. "He is versatile and would give us options but fundamentally he is a right-back.

“We have Josh [Emmanuel] coming through in that position and when we kick-off next season, the best right-back we have here will play.

“Foles will have other options as well. Most importantly, he will want to play regularly. He will sit down with his family and decide what’s best for him.”

Photo: Action Images

Pip50 added 18:20 - May 5 When is someone going to sit down with Mick and say sorry but fcuk off.
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dav86 added 18:49 - May 5 Didz will be the next one that has been told he can go. Watch this space.......
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Cakeman added 18:51 - May 5 Great heart and determination from Reg and seems to be a great guy, sadly not the best of players for the level we need and at his age is unlikely to improve. He will sure be very good for some team in div 1 or 2 though. Very best wishes Reg.
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runaround added 19:12 - May 5 All the best Reg
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blueboy1981 added 19:16 - May 5 ....... could have disposed of a few before him - good honest player, plenty good enough for the Championship. Did well to come back strongly from a serious injury - shows rollocks and character - unlike some.
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Knightsy added 20:46 - May 5 3 Strikers and a Winger you Mean. MM out
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Knightsy added 20:48 - May 5 All the Best Luke Varney
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HackneyBlue added 21:06 - May 5 We have Josh [Emmanuel] coming through in that position and when we kick-off next season, the best right-back we have here will play. Thank god for that no Chambers then
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TimmyH added 21:23 - May 5 correct decision...hard grafter but that will only get you so far. Best of luck Luke!
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TimmyH added 21:23 - May 5 correct decision...hard grafter but that will only get you so far. Best of luck Luke!
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bohslegend added 23:32 - May 5 Surco, bad form again. BTW just left you a reply on the Skuse interview comments re Ireland players - right back at ya dude
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Rowski added 00:38 - May 6 Elto/Meekreech As I mentioned before I think Berra will be leaving, 4million quid to a promoted team. Possibly even a relegated team like Sunderland or Villa. It's the most plausible outcome of how the defence is shaping up and MM comments about chambers.
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BrettenhamBlue added 00:39 - May 6 Good decision. Varney isn't really our future. If Foley agrees to sign for a year that would be a good thing given his performances this season. Mick really isn't allowing for the potential for injuries again though is he? Realsistically we need 2 strikers to start and 2 strikers on the bench as potential replacements. 2 injuries and there would be nobody on the bench. Just hope we sign some promising young striker from League 1 over the Summer to replace Varney (he has been used quite a bit in the first team)

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BrettenhamBlue added 00:39 - May 6 Good decision. Varney isn't really our future. If Foley agrees to sign for a year that would be a good thing given his performances this season. Mick really isn't allowing for the potential for injuries again though is he? Realsistically we need 2 strikers to start and 2 strikers on the bench as potential replacements. 2 injuries and there would be nobody on the bench. Just hope we sign some promising young striker from League 1 over the Summer to replace Varney (he has been used quite a bit in the first team)

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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 05:51 - May 6 Haven't seen Foley live as much as some of you on here, but i thought he looked composed. A proper footballer who looked to actually pass to a team mate rather than just hoof the ball up the sideline and hope for the best. Think he should stay. Varney should go, but I wish him well.
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