OWEN Garvan today confirmed that he was never happy with his TV role.

Elvin King

OWEN Garvan today confirmed that he was never happy with his TV role.

The 21-year-old midfielder has been an inspirational figure in his three games back in the Ipswich Town first team after spending three months in the wilderness.

He has won back the heart of Blues boss Roy Keane and proved again on Saturday that he is better bet than others Keane used ahead of him.

“I am here to play football, and this is what I want to do,” said Garvan after helping Ipswich dominate much of Saturday's goalless Championship draw at Bristol City.

“It's much better that sitting in front of the television on Saturday afternoons.

“When I wasn't in the team I was doing some training and then settling down in front of the TV to cheer the lads on watching Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.

“Shopping is not for me as football is my thing - and hopefully I can now restrict my TV viewing to Sunday games.”

Reflecting on Saturday's draw, Garvan went on: “It was two points dropped because we had a couple of good chances.

“They hit the post twice, too, so it was good to keep a clean sheet, but we were still very disappointed not to win.

“There's a confidence in the team that we're not going to get beaten and that shows in our recent results.

“Midfielders and strikers need to start putting the ball in the back of the net and we really need to grind out a 1-0 win.”

Garvan fluffed a couple of chances, and he added: “I should have got me head over the first chance, and I had a right-foot second half opportunity. I must work on my finishing.

“I want to contribute more, in terms of goals and assists.

“After moving more to the left after an hour at Cardiff the previous weekend I was asked to play that role on Saturday.

“I haven't played there much in my career and I'm trying to get used to it, but I'm happy to be playing anywhere on the pitch.

“It's better than watching TV even if it is football!”

Like the rest of his team mates, Garvan had praise for rookie keeper Arran Lee-Barrett.

“Arran was a plus, he hasn't a great deal of experience at this level but he look safe and solid throughout the game.”