Loanee Will Keane admits he would be interested in a longer stay at Portman Road, even if the worst happens and the club is relegated to League One this season.

Keane, 26, is on loan from Hull until the end of the season, at which point his contract with the Tigers will be expiring, but he is not too concerned at this point that he will probably be on the lookout for a new club in the summer.

Asked if it was a worry, Keane replied: “Not really, because I’m not thinking about it. I’m looking to make the very most of my time here by getting as many games as I can and doing as well as I can.

“That can only put me in a better position come the summer, so the only thing I can worry about is my form here, leave the rest until after the season finishes and reassess things then.

“Hull haven’t spoken to me because we both knew when I left that it was about me playing more games.

“I wasn’t getting the opportunity there, for one reason or another, so it was agreed between us that the right thing to do was to come here and get the game time.

“We haven’t spoken about anything beyond the summer yet, so it’s about me trying to make sure I make the very best of my time at Ipswich and then take it from there.

“Would a permanent move to Ipswich appeal, even if it meant League One football? Yes, definitely. I’ve been really impressed by the size of the club and all the facilities — training ground and stadium — as well as the fans. You can see it’s a great set-up and something I’ve really enjoyed being a part of so far.

“I’m enjoying it here and feeling settled. I’ve moved into a place in the last couple of weeks, which has been nice, and the lads have been telling me about a few nice places to go. I’ve also got my partner and our baby here now so that always helps as well.”

Keane admits to being envious of players like Luke Chambers and Cole Skuse, both of whom have clocked up hundreds of appearances in their time at Portman Road.

He added: “I’m sure it’s nice to get settled into one place and I did that at Hull for a couple of years.

“I was just unfortunate to suffer the setback with the second serious injury of my career, but it’s about what is right for you at the time. For me, now, it’s about coming here and getting the games.

“I know I’m ‘only’ on loan but to me it really doesn’t feel like that. I feel a part of it, just like the permanent players here, and that’s how I am made to feel by everyone.

“I’ll be giving my all here and then hopefully I’ll be getting set up with a permanent deal somewhere.

“I will be just as hurt as anyone else at the club if things don’t work out and we are relegated.

“I’m giving everything I can and at the end of the day my career is on the line, just like any other player.

“I’m coming here to give everything for the cause and if the team do well that’s going to reflect well on me. I know I need to do everything I can for Ipswich and help keep them in the Championship.”

Keane will meet up with a few familiar faces in the Sheffield Wednesday line-up at Portman Road on Saturday because four years ago he went on loan to the Owls from first club Manchester United, scoring three goals in 13 appearances, one of which was in Ipswich as Town won 2-1 thanks to a Chambers winning goal midway through the second half.

He looked back on his time at Hillsborough and remembered: “It was only a short spell but I really enjoyed it. It’s a great club with a big tradition, a bit like it is here, and they welcomed me in at the time.

“I did really well there and it will be good to be up against them this weekend, seeing the players again that I played with back then. But I’ll put all that to one side until afterwards — the focus will obviously be on trying to get a win.”

Asked if his best years are still to come, Keane replied: “I’d like to think so. I missed a couple of years with my injuries but, all being well, I’m hoping to get a run of games now through to the latter part of my career. There’s no reason why I can’t show what I’m capable of doing and go on a good run.”

Photo: TWTD

ITFCsince73 added 17:44 - Jan 31 I doubt Keane will swap his current 20k per week for 5k somehow. And L1 at struggling club. Because that's where and what we are a heading.
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Jonnosdreadlocks added 17:58 - Jan 31 Simple score 10-15 goals in next 17 games and im sure you will get a deal. Unfortunately, your record suggests you are only marginally more prolific than Skuse.
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MrTown added 18:30 - Jan 31 Not going to happen, wages are too much. Better than what we had, but not sure he's what we need.
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jas0999 added 19:03 - Jan 31 Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. He has scored just one goal so far. His career record poor. Hasn't done anything yet which suggests he is the answer next season in either Championship or League One.
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timspencero added 19:11 - Jan 31 ITFCsince73 - mate, Norwich are second in the league. It's pretty tragic spending your time trolling on TWTD. Go and enjoy your own forums, mate.
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ITFCsince73 added 19:16 - Jan 31 And I ain't no mate of yours Pal....
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Warkys_Tash added 21:19 - Jan 31 ITFC73 You are massively negative. Perhaps you need to re-read all your recents comments. And have a re-think, You dont have anything positive to say about anything or anyone..
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ITFCsince73 added 21:41 - Jan 31 Warkys Tash. No rethinking to be done. I say it how it is. If you don't like it, don't read it. I don't comment to please you or anyone else. I'll talk positive when there's something to talk positive about. After 40 yrs supporting the club I'll say how it is. Simple.
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ITFCsince73 added 22:16 - Jan 31 Warkystash. I'll still be there Saturday, just like every week, giving the club my full support. The players my full support. But won't come on here with funny colour glasses on saying everything's going to be great in the end don't worry. I can tell this is how you may like to comment. Which is fine. Get on with it. I don't live in cloud cookoo land like some. And don't bother reading comments if I know where their heading.

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