Irish central defender Gerard Nash could join Hartlepool or another lower league club on loan to gain experience. The 19-year-old's progress has been held up by a series of knee injuries but is still rated very highly at Portman Road.

Boss Joe Royle told the club site: "We are talking to Hartlepool about the possibility of Gerard going there.

"He is a promising player whose progress has been held up by injuries but he's back playing now and it would be good for him to go out on loan and play some first team football."

Photo: Action Images

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