HOT-SHOT Jordan Rhodes has become a reluctant Huddersfield Town hero.

Elvin King

By ELVIN KING

elvin.king@archant.co.uk

HOT-SHOT Jordan Rhodes has become a reluctant Huddersfield Town hero.

Ipswich Town fans are still stunned that Blues manager Roy Keane sold the 19-year-old striker to the League One Terriers in the summer.

Rhodes has scored goals for fun since his arrival in Yorkshire. But he would rather be helping Town climb the Championship table after their disappointing start to the season.

His father Andy, who left Portman Road last year and is now goalkeeping coach at Preston North End, was back in Ipswich at the weekend where his family still reside.

And he revealed that his eldest son as much as he is enjoying life with his new club did not want to leave the Tractor Boys.

“There is nothing Jordan wanted more than to be given a chance with Ipswich Town,” said Rhodes senior, who along with his wife and daughter watched Huddersfield in action at Milton Keynes on Saturday.

“He came back from talks with Huddersfield and trained at Playford Road the next day.

“Jordan's move was not a goer as far as the lad was concerned.

“But the following day the transfer was completed.

“He is happy where he is, but he wanted to stay with Ipswich.”

Rhodes senior was the subject of veiled criticism from Keane when asked about Jordan Rhodes' transfer with an inference that the extrovert goalkeeping coach had in some way played a part in the decision.

“I have nothing against Roy Keane and wish Ipswich Town well,” said Rhodes senior. “But for me to have an influence in a decision made by the Portman Road-based club is certainly not the case.

“I love the area and consider this part of the world to now be my home.”

Keane, who has another teenage striker - 16-year-old Connor Wickham - to accommodate, admitted that the decision to sell Rhodes for a fee that can rise to �850,000 gave him sleepless nights.

Younger son Lewis, 18, is also making a name in the game - the goalkeeper currently in the USA on a football scholarship along with another Woodbridge Town player midfielder Dave Kempson.

“Lewis has his own niche,” said his dad.