Ipswich Town: Alex Jones’ potential loan destinations for young Blues

Ipswich Town may be looking to send some of their fringe players out on loan this summer as they look to challenge for promotion from the Championship. Alex Jones looks at who could leave and where they might end up.

I feel a bit sorry for Cieran Slicker – I think quite a lot of people do. This last year probably hasn’t been ideal for him, culminating in a tough debut for Scotland.

There can’t be many players who earn a senior international cap before playing a league game at club level. But that’s what he did against Iceland at Hampden Park, stepping in for the inured Angus Gunn after seven minutes. He conceded a few seconds later after a weak kick, with two more going against him before full-time. Truthfully, he had a major part to play in all three goals that went against Steve Clarke’s side.

It’s not his fault – he’s in desperate need of a loan. He needs experience, he needs to go out and play. Yes, he’s a highly-rated goalkeeper, which is why he’s got so far. Now, he needs to prove it.

Truthfully, I’d look to go down a level. Luton Town and Plymouth Argyle have both lost strikers following relegation, but Huddersfield Town are the logical pick here, given that they are managed by former Town coach Lee Grant.

The Terriers have mixed options up front. Rhys Healey, Bojan Radulovic and Danny Ward didn’t cut it last season, nor did ex-Blue Freddie Ladapo. Dion Charles has struggled to hit the right heights after his move from Bolton Wanderers and Joe Taylor has been unable to stay fit.

Al-Hamadi would surely be a top striker in League One, playing under a manager that he knows. It may help build up his confidence once again.