THE Ipswich Town duo of Tommy Smith and Liam Trotter are both set to leave Portman Road on loan deals this week.

Carl Marston

THE Ipswich Town duo of Tommy Smith and Liam Trotter are both set to leave Portman Road on loan deals this week.

And Town boss Roy Keane is also hoping to bring in a new face over the next few days.

Centre-half Smith and midfielder Trotter have both been unable to break into the first-team set-up in recent weeks. Smith has recently returned from injury, while Trotter has not featured since the home win over Derby at the end of October.

Their roles have been restricted to that of unused substitutes.

""Tommy and Liam could be going out on loan next week," confirmed Keane.

"They'll be thinking about it over the weekend, but they need games and I think it will be a positive move.

"It will be a good chance for them to play some football. One or two clubs have come in for them.

"There should be more news on this on Monday, and I also hope to get one player in next week, though there's a question over this," added Keane.

Referring to the extension of striker Stern John's loan deal for another month, from Crystal Palace, Keane said: "Stern is here for another month, which is pleasing.

"We haven't lost when he's been in the team. He has a strong presence."