Boss Joe Royle says he will be continuing his search for new defenders while the squad are in Hungary playing friendlies against Újpest and Diósgyõri. Royle says that more trialists could be at Portman Road before the beginning of the season.

The Town manager said: "There is a possibility of other trialists coming in and I will be speaking to people about this.

"There are players out there who are available on Bosman free transfers and, providing I am satisfied that they have the pedigree and experience, I may decide to take a closer look.

"I will also be in discussion with a number of Premiership clubs about players. I have put out a few feelers and now I am waiting for answers from several big clubs."

Royle felt that previous trialists Edwin Ouon and Rui Marques did well both in training and in the friendly with Rangers but they weren't quite what he was looking for: "I have an identikit picture in my mind of the type of defender, or defenders, that I want and they didn't quite fit it.

"They are both decent players with a bit of pedigree and I am sure they will find a home in England, but it won't be in Ipswich.

"They did well enough, especially when you consider they came in cold after one day's training and were thrown into a tough match."

Royle, who underwent a knee replacement operation two weeks ago, is not travelling to Hungary on doctors' advice: "I am not going primarily for medical reasons.

"I have been told it is not a good idea to be flying so soon after my operation, so I feel I have to take the advice and continue my recovery.”

The Town boss expects to be back in charge of the side ahead of next Friday's friendly with Atlético Madrid.

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