Town defender Matt Clarke says he couldn’t believe it when his loan club Portsmouth were paired with the Blues in the FA Cup third round draw. The 19-year-old is ineligible for Saturday’s tie at Portman Road and will have split loyalties as he watches from the stands.

"I couldn't believe it when the draw happened," Clarke told BBC Radio Solent. "Out of 64 teams in the hat, the two you're involved with draw each other. It will be a weird place to be, but we'll see what happens."

On Thursday, Town boss Mick McCarthy confirmed that Clarke would be spending the rest of the season with Pompey, the academy product having joined the League Two club in August.

The Barham-born defender scored his first senior goal during Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Crawley and has so far made 19 starts and two sub appearances for Pompey, adding to his one Capital One Cup start and four Championship sub appearances for the Blues.

"I want to play my football here, so we'll see what the rest of the season brings,” Clarke added.

"I think I've come a long way from the early games in the season, where I did all right, but I was still learning different situations. Now, it's more of a structured performance and I know my role."

Photo: Action Images

nysully added 13:28 - Jan 5 Let's see where Matt sits on Saturday!
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pumpee added 13:57 - Jan 5 Split loyalties?? He should be loyal to his club....he should be playing Saturday and scoring a hatrick of own goals to help his club!! 🙊
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blues1 added 17:07 - Jan 5 trouble is pumpee, hes not allowed to play on Saturday, is he
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nysully added 17:49 - Jan 5 @blues1 - if Pompey beats us Matt can play in the 4th round.......
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algarvefan added 23:28 - Jan 5 His club this season is Pompey, so it's only right he sits with them. I laugh when fans talk of loyalty, it's such a rarity these days!
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dirtydingusmagee added 09:24 - Jan 6 guess he will just sit with a plain Blue&white bobble hat on !
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Corrick91 added 23:32 - Jan 7 Watched Matt a few times for Portsmouth this season and can see already he has a big future. 19 years old at centre back at any professional level isn't easy. Exciting prospect
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