Royle: We have cash to spend

IPSWICH are ready to boost their promotion-chasing squad with a loan signing - if manager Joe Royle thinks it is necessary.

The Town boss said today: “There is cash in the kitty to bring in one player for one month and I'll be thinking it through in the next couple of weeks.”

After their live-on-Sky clash at Coventry on Sunday, Ipswich have a 13-day break until their next fixture at home to Burnley on October 16.

That will give Royle and his backroom staff an opportunity to assess the situation and decide whether to make a move.

The Town boss has already admitted he is monitoring the situation with regard to the availability of as many as three different targets.

Despite operating with a depleted squad - eight players left and only two arrived in the summer - last night's 1-1 home draw with leaders Reading sees Town remain third in the table.

But their promotion challenge - and their ability to be in a leading position to resist offers when the transfer window re-opens in January - may well depend on Royle strengthening his squad.

Chairman David Sheepshanks said: “There is loan money available and after Sunday's match at Coventry we have a break when the manager will be looking at the situation.”

Royle added: “We will not just go out and make a loan signing for the sake of it. It is about assessing things and deciding if there is a particular need in a specific area of the team.

“Basically, we are operating on 15 outfield players and two keepers. It's not a lot, but we have done well so far and we need to consider very carefully any moves in the loan market.

“We only have a limited sum of money to spend and it is essential that we spend it wisely.”

The two-month loan stint of Wigan midfielder Tony Dinning, a likely substitute at the weekend, will end after the game at Highfield Road.

Dinning has made only a limited impact at Portman Road and is not expected to be offered a permanent deal.