Ipswich fail in Connor Wickham loan return

Ipswich Town manager Paul Jewell has revealed that Sunderland boss Steve Bruce turned down the opportunity to send new signing Connor Wickham back to Portman Road on loan.

"I spoke with Steve the other day and we were chatting about various things," Jewell said.

"I thought he probably needed another year in the Championship and I said to Steve if they wanted to loan him back, we would take him. He, very cleverly, went on to another subject.

"They bought him and he hasn't played but he might catch fire. He has certainly got the attributes and he is a man in body. But, football-wise, he is a boy."

The 18-year-old joined the Black Cats for £8m earlier this summer but has only made three substitute appearances this season.