Misfit Slovenian Amir Karic has revealed that George Burley has called him back for Town's pre-season training. Karic, whose loan spell with NK Maribor officially ended today, says Town are "counting on" him and is hoping that this season will finally see him make his mark at Portman Road.

The 28-year-old, who played all three of Slovenia's World Cup games, says: "I had to end my vacation early since the preparations for the new season have already started and, according to their announcement, Ipswich are counting on me this year. I'll do my best so I can finally play for Ipswich on regular basis.

"Still, I hope that Maribor under the leadership of Bojan Prasnikar will perform well in the new season and manage to go through in European competition, although that will be far from easy. I wish them all the best."

Maribor, where Karic has had two previous spells, are still hopeful that they might secure his signature permanently, manager Bojan Prasnikar: "Karic went to England because of the nature of his contract, which says that he must return to his club on July 1st.

"However, this does not necessarily mean that he is lost for us. There are still certain options existing."

Karic's Portman Road exit had seemed inevitable after his first two seasons saw him make just three appearances as sub in the Worthington Cup.

Even a spell on loan at Crystal Palace failed to work out, and by the middle of last season he appeared to have scuppered any chance of making it at Town when he heavily criticised the Blues' management in a newspaper article.

Soon after Karic, reportedly on £7,000 a week with Town, left on loan to Maribor where he won the Slovenian championship and kept himself fit ahead of the World Cup.

Slovenia's campaign in the Far East looked like an ideal opportunity for the left-sided defender or midfielder to impress watching clubs.

A number of Japanese sides, including his former club Gamba Osaka, were reported to be watching but so far no-one other than Maribor have shown any serious interest.

Photo: Action Images

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