Out-of-favour striker Alun Armstrong has admitted that he is looking for a permanent move away from Portman Road. Armstrong has had an injury hit spell with the Blues since signing in 2000, and is out of contract in the summer.

The Gateshead-born striker says he is keen to win a place in the side at Town but doesn't think he is in Joe Royle's plans, despite a short run in the team earlier in the season.

That run ended when he was replaced by Shefki Kuqi after a poor first half display at Watford, the Finnish international keeping his place ever since.

Armstrong says: "I'm not really looking for a loan, I want something more permanent but I have to look at what options there are.

"First and foremost I want to play here at Ipswich but if I'm honest it doesn't look as if I feature in the Gaffer's plans.

"I thought I had done well when I came in but then he brought Shefki in and I have not played since and that tells its own story."

Former Town boss George Burley was interested in taking the ex-Boro and Stockport man to Pride Park earlier in the season but this was only a loan, something which failed to interest the 28-year-old.

Armstrong, who scored a hat-trick for the reserves on Wednesday, has been available on a free transfer since the end of last season with Coventry City the only side to show any serious interest.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls