IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell believes on loan defender Danny Higginbotham could extend his stay at Portman Road to three months.

The 33-year-old centre-back, who has started three matches since his September switch, is scheduled to complete his one month loan from Stoke after next Tuesday’s game against Derby.

But Town have been negotiating with the Potters over an extension to that loan which could see Higginbotham remain at Ipswich until Christmas.

“We are hopeful that we will be able to keep Danny,” said Jewell.

“He’s come here to play football and he’s doing that. He’s enjoying it here and I’ve told him we want him to stay.

“We’re in conversation with Stoke and we will see how things work out but we are certainly hopeful that he will be remaining with us, ideally for the maximum three months.”