IPSWICH are keen to send teenage striker Darryl Knights out on loan.The 18-year-old former Chantry High School pupil has netted twice in each of his last three reserve outings, taking his season's tally to eight.

By Mel Henderson

IPSWICH are keen to send teenage striker Darryl Knights out on loan.

The 18-year-old former Chantry High School pupil has netted twice in each of his last three reserve outings, taking his season's tally to eight.

Town boss Jim Magilton said: “The next step for Darryl should be a loan move. That way he will play regularly at a higher level, which will definitely benefit him.

“We have Danny Haynes coming back from Millwall next week and there is no doubt that the move has done him the world of good.

“He is coming back better for the experience of playing and scoring in League One and I expect he will be hungrier for a chance here.

“It can be the same for Darryl. There has been some interest in him and some of our other fringe players, but as yet nothing concrete.”

England Under-17 cap Knights has already had a taste of first team action for Ipswich, when previous boss Joe Royle sent him on as a substitute at Sunderland almost two years ago.

But he has been unable to force his way into contention again and Ipswich are clearly keen for him to benefit in the same way as fellow 18-year-old Haynes has done.

Magilton added: “This is a very difficult profession to make a living out of and Darryl has to appreciate what he's got around him here.

“We have been on at him to add a bit more to his game and to his credit he has taken that on board. Now he needs to go forward in his career.

“If he goes out on loan and plays regularly it will work wonders for his confidence, especially if he can score a few goals along the way.

“Darryl would come back with his appetite that much sharper, as I expect Danny to be, and keen to push for a first team chance.”

Knights is just one of a handful of Town players whom Magilton feels would benefit from a temporary stint elsewhere.

Others include defenders Chris Casement and Scott Barron, midfielder Sammy Moore and, perhaps surprisingly, Martin Brittain, who was released by Newcastle at the end of last season and earned a contract at Portman Road following a successful trial spell.

Magilton said: “Martin has been doing well for the reserves and isn't too far away from the first team, but he could also benefit from playing regularly elsewhere.”