Blues boss Paul Lambert says he has been impressed with the form of striker Kayden Jackson this season but says any new deal for the 25-year-old will have to wait until Town know what division they’ll be in next season.

Jackson, a £1.6 million summer 2018 signing from Accrington Stanley, has played more than any other striker this season has has grabbed nine goals and six assists.

“He’s been very good,” Lambert said. “He’s been consistent with it and if he doesn’t score he’s still a handful with his running.

“So I’ve been delighted with Kayden’s form and I think Will Keane has been excellent for us and I thought James [Norwood] in the last couple of games has come off the bench and done well for us, so they’re going the right way.”

Jackson’s defending from the front has been noted in recent weeks and Lambert says that’s an important aspect of a striker’s game.

“I always think that you defend from the front,” he said. “I don’t think that’s changed from years gone by. If you can defend from the front and you have got the speed and the legs to do it, then it’s a big asset.”

Earlier in the week it was reported that Jackson was close to signing a new deal with the Blues - his current terms run to the summer of 2021 with the club having an option for another year - but the Town manager says nothing is imminent on that front.

“I don’t think that will happen until we know where we are,” he said. “I think they’ll probably be talking, but I don’t think anything will be concrete until we actually know where we are.”

Meanwhile, January is coming to a close with no developments on Luke Garbutt’s situation.

The left-back is on loan for the season with the Blues but with his Everton contract up in the summer and Lambert having said he’d been keen to recruit the 26-year-old on a permanent basis.

“No,” Lambert said when asked if anything was happening regarding the permanent signing of Garbutt.

“But he’s been excellent as well, Luke. His deliveries have been second to none and with his set plays and the way he can pass the ball, he’s been excellent for us. He’s been in really good form.”

Photo: TWTD

SamWhiteUK added 12:45 - Jan 31 Norwood in for Keane from the start please PL. Norwood has been good off the bench, but would also offer more than Keane from the start
0

r2d2 added 12:59 - Jan 31 Jackson isnt a championship striker, he isnt even a good league 1 striker.
1

rfretwell added 14:53 - Jan 31 Promotion is a must if we want to sign Garbs but Sunderland, Cov, Posh and Pompey all in with a big shout now too.
1

Dolphinblue added 16:50 - Jan 31 Yep...gonna go down to the wire...Jacksons had a good season so far...keep it up! Coyb
1

Saxonblue74 added 17:41 - Jan 31 SamWhiteUK, interesting to hear so many different opinions. Mine is that Keane is really beginning to find form and showing more and more glimpses of his quality. Norwood for me is currently an option off the bench, depending on the opposition. Tues against a physical Rotherham he may have been a good starter. Who'd be a manager hey?!
2

Saxonblue74 added 17:43 - Jan 31 ...interesting unless they're from r2d2, pretty much know what to expect there!😂
0

Linkboy13 added 17:57 - Jan 31 Have to agree Jackson probably not a championship player but who is in our squad but give him credit 9 goals and 6 assists is good but some people on here just can't give credit when it's due. If we did get promoted i would not sign Garbutt he's just too small and would not be up too playing in the championship physically. To compete in the championship would require a massive injection of cash and clearing of the decks big time . Remember a lot of the players at the club now are the ones that brought us down.

-1

mulbarton67 added 21:53 - Jan 31 Stunned by this to be honest.i think Jackson has been really ineffective even at this level - slows the game down, makes bad decisions, poor touch and rarely presents a threat. Would love to see Sears instead.
2

Suffolkboy added 13:45 - Feb 1 Just what else could PL say when the question was put ?Think about it !! Right from the start unfortunately it did,and does, look as if KJ lacks certain attributes and skills : little doubt we ‘ overpaid ‘ but that was down to the misjudged appointment of the inadequate PH and his equally inept sidekick ! It looks as if he's trying hard to be a good team member and has probably improved all round ;and unless we suddenly find unexpected resources it's not reasonable to imagine we can find and employ superior replacements ! PL emphasises the ‘ predicament ‘ regularly , and its time we actually read accurately between the lines and took completely on board the FFP restrictions ,and the commitment of ME ,( without which we'd be lost !) . So let's be positive ,optimistic and ever supportive ; prepared to speculate and be opinionated but always behind OUR team ! COYB

1

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls