Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has explained why homegrown midfielder Cameron Humphreys didn't go out on loan before the January transfer window closed.

There's been talk about whether the talented 20-year-old would go out to experience more regular game time for five consecutive transfer windows now.

But while young defender Elkan Baggott joined League One club Bristol Rovers on deadline day, Humphreys - who has made four starts and four sub appearances for the first team across all competitions this season - remains part of the group at Playford Road.

"There was discussions about it over the course of January," admitted McKenna. "But Jack Taylor is going to be out for a few weeks with a quad issue, so that leaves us lighter in midfield.

"I don't think it's a big secret that we looked at the possibility of bringing in another left-footed, left-back - a position that Cameron has given us really good competition and cover for in the squad - but that wasn't possible to do.

"With the above in mind, we felt Cameron was a important part of the squad. He's getting a good experience here, one; with the minutes he's played lately and, two; being in a squad that's competing at the top end of the Championship.

"We're happy that he stayed. We think he'll be important in the second half of the season.

"Of course his individual development is a consideration and we know the point will come where he has to be playing week-in, week-out. That point will very possibly come next season, but for now we feel it's the right thing for him and the club for him to stay and contribute."