Out-of-favour Shane O’Connor has conceded that he may have to leave Portman Road in order to play regular football. The 21-year-old was left out of the 23-man squad which travelled to Holland for the pre-season tour last week with his only appearance under Paul Jewell’s management coming as a 74th minute sub in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg defeat at Arsenal.

O’Connor, who turned down a loan move to Hereford United last November, says he’s happy at Town but is realistic about his prospects: “I want to be playing for Ipswich and I will keep knocking on the door of the squad and the first team.

“I think I could do well in the Championship but different managers like different things and you have to respect that.

“I am not really sure what is going to happen. I am at an age where I want and need to be playing.”

The Republic of Ireland U21 international, who has made 15 starts and seven sub appearances for the Blues, has another year remaining on his contract. A player with Roy Keane's old Rockmount club as a youngster, O'Connor joined Town after a trial in the summer of 2009 having been released by Liverpool’s academy during the previous campaign.

Meanwhile, Doncaster striker Billy Sharp continues to be linked with the Blues in the wake of Town making an offer for a third new frontman of the summer. Boss Paul Jewell was still waiting for a response from the mystery player’s club as of Thursday evening, while an initial bid for a winger had been turned down.

Former Sheffield United man Sharp was the subject of an unsuccessful £2.3 million offer earlier in the summer, Jewell subsequently turning his attention to Michael Chopra and ruling out further overtures for the 25-year-old, who recently opted against a £3.25 million switch to Southampton.

Earlier in the week, the Doncaster media dismissed claims that Sharp and James Coppinger, also the subject of a previous Town bid, were the targets of Town’s more recent two offers.

Photo: Action Images

alfromcol added 15:18 - Jul 16 What a waste. Has always shown considerable ability when he has appeared in the IT shirt. Not sure why Keane and PJ have both failed to give him a good run.
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decITFC1878 added 15:19 - Jul 16 Deserves a chance, whenever i've seen him play he's done well
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keebs_itfc added 15:26 - Jul 16 what a waste, always looked sharp when he came on and was a bright light in keanes reign as manager. give him a shot PJ, he wont let you down!
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Mark added 15:26 - Jul 16 It is a strange one. O'Connor was doing so well, earned a new 2-year contract, then just disappeared under Keane. He came in for the 3-0 win over Leicester in the snow, looked good again, then got injured. Under Jewell he doesn't seem to have been given a chance, but there must be a reason. I am surprised if we are back in for Sharp, as I thought he and Chopra were rather similar. Still, they could make an exciting strike force together if Sharp does sign.

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fussysnake added 15:30 - Jul 16 GIVE HIM A CHANCE! this boys got talent! try im in left mid if need be him done well against leicester!
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jert16 added 15:33 - Jul 16 surplus to requirements under jewell i think, probably best he moves elsewhere for his own sake!
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Garv added 15:39 - Jul 16 Well at left back we've a choice of; experience in Kennedy, Cresswell (who PJ said was bought for his potential), extreme youth in Whight who probably won't be able to play week in week out (18 when the season starts I believe), or O'Connor who is the same age as Cresswell. This guy should have a good shout of a regular spot in that position. Not sure why Jewell hasn't given him a go.

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hadleighboyblue added 15:42 - Jul 16 always thought he was a gutsy terrier of a player , would have thought he was PJ's type of player . there must be a reason why he hasn't been given a chance .....is there an attitude problem ? seems to be a waste of his fighting style , would like to see him given another chance , maybe left midfield ?
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One_Matty_Holland added 15:46 - Jul 16 I think O'Connor is decent and should be given a go as he was good in Keane's reign. Leicester at home he was excellent!
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Hungry_Badger added 15:49 - Jul 16 bit of a shame if he leaves, seemed to have a lot of potential and has always done well when actually played- Leicester at home proved that.
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TractorBeezer added 15:49 - Jul 16 I really don't get this one. Yes we have have left back options now but how long does Kennedy have? And Shane can play wide left of midfield too. Having said that I do respect Paul Jewell and as questioned by Hadleighboyblue, perhaps there is another issue or reason that we are unaware of.
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tractored added 15:52 - Jul 16 another kick in the goolies for the youth system. If he was 33 he would be first name on the team sheet.
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Reusir added 16:01 - Jul 16 Shame if he goes, a useful player for us
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Mr_Evans added 16:18 - Jul 16 I have faith in PJ, it is a shame as O'Connor always seemed pretty sharp when I saw him play
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theblueginger added 16:20 - Jul 16 He should be given a go, but IMO he is not quite the player some of you say he is. In some ways he suffers from the same problem as Peters: He is SO versatile he never gets a first-team position tied down.
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sonian_blue added 16:22 - Jul 16 Big Mistake if we let him go.
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itfcjc added 16:27 - Jul 16 Keep him he's class
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bluelady added 16:35 - Jul 16 I have a funny feeling its poor attitude, maybe likes the good life a little too much for p j?
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bluelady added 16:35 - Jul 16 I have a funny feeling its poor attitude, maybe likes the good life a little too much for p j?
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jas0999 added 16:44 - Jul 16 PJ has done many good things since taking over as Ipswich manager, but along with the negative one up front at home, not giving Shane O'Connor a chance is IMO a poor decision. Having said that none of us know what goes on behind the scene, as bluelady points out perhaps there is an issue with attitude etc, although I understood that wasn't the case and in fact Shane is a really good lad (I think it was even PhilTWTD who posted that - may be wrong). For me Shane falls under the same umbrella as Jamie Peters, as I see no reason why PJ didn't give him a chance last season - albeit not at right-back where he is not very good. Jamie is however a decent impact player.

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footyblue added 16:48 - Jul 16 He is quality on the pitch and surely thats all that matters, he can tackle he gets forward from Left back he reminds me of Jamie Clapham the way he does that
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Blue_Fred added 17:18 - Jul 16 Seems that PJ doesnt rate him so maybe he should move on for 1st team football - would like to see him loaned out to a lower league club rather than sold though - just in case!!
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Bluetone added 17:24 - Jul 16 If PJ doesn't give him a chance very soon he would be well advised to move on to a club where his undoubted talents will be appreciated while he is still young enough to make his mark. Shame if we miss out though but Shane needs to act in his own best interests.
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ITFC4daprem added 17:26 - Jul 16 he did brilliantly vs arsenal keep
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blues1 added 17:37 - Jul 16 like every1 else on here, im not sure why he not being given a chance to show what he can do. think last season it was much due to the injury he picked up soon after pj arrived, but now in preseason would have thought hed be given an opportunity. of course, he may well get that chance, weve only played 2 friendlies so far. im sure however that there is a reason why, (should he not), pj seems to be ignoring him. the one thing i dont really agree with other posters about is that he should be given a chance at left-back. i personally dont thinkl hes good enough in that position, but do feel he deserves a crack at playing left midfield, which i feel is his best position,

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