JAIME Peters today expressed his fear about becoming a Portman Road flop.The 20-year-old Canadian international has not made a start in the Ipswich Town first team this season, but came back in from the cold with a substitute appearance against Portsmouth in the FA Cup last weekend.

Elvin King

JAIME Peters today expressed his fear about becoming a Portman Road flop.

The 20-year-old Canadian international has not made a start in the Ipswich Town first team this season, but came back in from the cold with a substitute appearance against Portsmouth in the FA Cup last weekend.

He has nearly two and a half years to go on his Blues contract - and is confident he can still make a name for himself at the club.

“I don't want to be considered a flop,” said Peters.

“It has not been the best season for me so far, but hopefully I did enough against Portsmouth to get another chance soon.

“The manager likes to play two wide players, and I shall be working hard to stake a claim to one of those places.

“Although it has been frustrating not to be in the side, I feel I have made progress with the help of the coaches on the training ground.”

Peters, who had featured in 45 games and scored two goals before today's visit by Stoke City to Portman Road, scored in last Monday's reserve victory over Peterborough at the Playford Road training ground.

Ipswich had to fight off interest from a number of other clubs to gain Peters' signature - and a work permit - on his 18th birthday.

And he says that he has stayed focus thanks to the attentions of the coaching staff, and that he has retained his belief.

“I featured regularly last season, but have had to be more patient this time,” added Peters.

“I have no regrets about joining Ipswich and have lost none of my belief in my ability to make an impact with the club.”

Peters has had to sacrifice a great deal in his attempt to hit the football heights by moving thousands of miles from home and leaving his family and friends behind.

“Football is the job I picked and being out of the team is all part of the territory,” added Peters, who lives on his own near the town centre.

“My father came over for a couple of weeks recently, which was nice and he taught me how to cook some of my favourite dishes.”

And Peters is hoping to re-find the ingredients that made him a hot property a couple of years ago so that he can become a first team regular again.