DARREN Ambrose has admitted he would like to move back to Portman Road on loan, but the prospect seems a long way off at the moment, with Town boss Joe Royle saying there have been no moves in that direction.

DARREN Ambrose has admitted he would like to move back to Portman Road on loan, but the prospect seems a long way off at the moment, with Town boss Joe Royle saying there have been no moves in that direction, writes Steve Mellen.

The signing of Lee Bowyer this summer has added another name to Newcastle United's already crowded midfield and there has been talk of talented young midfielder Ambrose going out on loan to a Nationwide League club.

But despite confessing he would prefer to return to Portman Road, the teenager, who left in February for £1m, says his priority is getting in the Newcastle first team.

"There has been talk of me being sent out on loan for a spell, but I want to do all I can to stay at St James's Park," said the product of the Portman Road Academy.

"I knew when I came here that the competition for places would be fierce and the signing of Lee Bowyer, who like me can play wide on the right or in the centre, has made it even fiercer.

"I was a little surprised when we got him but, to be fair, I rate him very highly as a player and I think he is an excellent signing for the club."

Royle said yesterday it was too early to discuss loan signings for the coming season, and that there had been no discussion between Portman Road and St James' Park.

Ambrose played in Newcastle's final game of the season away at West Bromwich Albion, but as the least experienced of the current midfielders he has a battle on his hands to establish himself in the first team.

"I want to fight for my place at Newcastle and get first-team football. But if the manager feels he would like me to go on loan then we'll look at the situation again," he said.

"Everybody knows I loved my time at Ipswich and a loan move back there is one option if they wanted me back."