GAVIN Williams couldn't believe his luck when he glanced at the Ipswich fixture list.It was his first day with Town after agreeing a one-month loan switch from West Ham and he was naturally keen to see the games in which he could be involved.

By Mel Henderson

GAVIN Williams couldn't believe his luck when he glanced at the Ipswich fixture list.

It was his first day with Town after agreeing a one-month loan switch from West Ham and he was naturally keen to see the games in which he could be involved.

Intrigue turned to delight when he clocked the Cardiff date and he will start his third game for Ipswich at a ground he knows extremely well.

Bluebirds' fan Williams, 25, said: “I saw Cardiff City away on Monday November 28 and I've been looking forward to it ever since. It will be the first time I will have played at Ninian Park.

“I've played against Cardiff City before, in a pre-season friendly at Yeovil Town, but it will be a dream come true to run out at Ninian Park.

"I used to go down and support City when I was a schoolboy. I would stand at the Grange End, or sit in the Bob Bank. They were great times watching players like Phil Stant, Carl Dale and Nathan Blake, and now I could be out there playing.”

Pontypridd-born Williams, who bagged a debut goal in Town's 1-1 draw at Coventry nine days ago, accepts he may have to quit the Hammers in order to play regular first team football.

And he has already stated he would consider a permanent switch to Portman Road if the opportunity were to arise.

He has three years left on his Upton Park contract and has no need to consider his next move until January, when the transfer window re-opens.

“I'll make that decision at the right time,” said Williams, who gained his second senior cap for Wales in the recent 1-0 defeat in Cyprus that also marked Town keeper Lewis Price's international debut.

Niggling injuries have not helped him in trying to hold down a first team place with the Hammers, for whom he has made 11 appearances - none of them in the Premiership this season - without scoring.

He added: “I played a few games in a row last season, but then picked up an injury. I got back, but then I was injured again.

“West Ham have been in such good form that I've found it difficult to get back in. But that's how it is when you play at a big club.

“I believe I have the talent and certainly the commitment to play at Premiership level, but maybe it's time to take a step back and start again. Hopefully, I'll keep playing first team football at Ipswich.

“West Ham took a gamble by signing me and I will always be grateful to them for that. Alan Pardew has been fantastic with me and it will be fantastic if I can get back to West Ham and repay him.

“But for the time being I want to do well for Ipswich and see what happens next.”

Williams is eligible to play tonight, then in the home games against Wolves and QPR, before his month-long loan expires.