FRANCIS Jeffers could become a permanent member of the Ipswich Town playing staff.The 26-year-old needs to kick-start his career again after struggling to make an impact since he hit the headlines playing for Everton as a teenager.

By Elvin King

FRANCIS Jeffers could become a permanent member of the Ipswich Town playing staff.

The 26-year-old needs to kick-start his career again after struggling to make an impact since he hit the headlines playing for Everton as a teenager.

He failed to find the goals at Arsenal, Charlton and Blackburn, with injuries and a lack of confidence taking its toll.

Substantial time in the Championship - if Town can find finance to complete a deal - could well be the answer.

And the one-cap England international, who made his debut as a 72nd minute substitute on Saturday, says his one-month spell could be extended.

“It was great to be back playing football again and obviously good to see the team get the right result.

“I think Ipswich wanted me until the end of the season but Blackburn manager Mark Hughes wasn't too keen on that, so I have come here for a month and we will see how it goes.

“But if it goes well for me, and Blackburn and Ipswich are happy, then I wouldn't see a problem with me staying until the end of the season,” he said.

And possibly he could stay at the club beyond that.

“I have come to play games and make an impact for Ipswich and play a role in helping the club move up the table,” he said.

“It is my first taste of Championship football so it was important that I joined a team that passes the ball around.

“When I spoke to people, they told me Ipswich played that way a lot more than other Championship clubs.

“I was also impressed by what the manager said.”