Ambrose relieved to be staying at Town

A RELIEVED Darren Ambrose last night revealed he is delighted NOT to be moving to the Premiership just yet, writes Derek Davis.

With Arsenal and Newcastle United, the Premier League's first and second teams, known to be closely monitoring the 18-year-old sensation, Town supporters have been praying a bid would not be made in this transfer window.

Today is the last day of the window and any move would have to be completed by 5pm, so it is fair to say nothing will now happen until the summer.

As cash-strapped as Ipswich Town are, Ambrose's departure would have dented confidence and play-off hopes and the player himself is happy to be patient.

He said: "I'm more than happy to be staying with Ipswich.

"Of course I would like to play in the Premiership, but not quite at the moment and when I do I'm hoping that will be with Ipswich.

"I'm glad there have not been any offers really because I'm pleased to still be here and want to do all I can to help Ipswich get into the Premier League."

The EADT revealed interest in Ambrose by the Gunners and the Magpies and the attack-minded midfielder is well aware of their attention.

He said: "Obviously it is very pleasing and flattering to hear those sort of clubs are interested. They are top sides, for any Champions' League side to show they are interested is good to know but I'm focused on Ipswich and I'm focusing on the game at Bradford tomorrow."

The 18-year-old made his debut at Highbury in the Premiership last season and has been a revelation in this campaign, netting 10 goals already and weighing in with 11 assists, mainly for fellow teenager Darren Bent.

But he has been used cleverly by Joe Royle, who has unleashed the deadly duo from the bench in the second half of games, which Ambrose accepts.

He said: "I'm just happy to be involved, whether that means coming off the bench or starting. I'm happy to be a substitute and come on and do my best. I'd also be happy to start and give it my all.

"I trust the Gaffer and what he says is best for me and for the team. I just want to play football and be part of the game."

Much is made of the Darren duo but it is another Bent – Marcus – who is proving a huge inspiration to the youngsters.

The former Blade, who was given a tremendous ovation by Sheffield supporters, knew exactly what young Ambrose was going through when he skied two excellent opportunities in front of goal and went across to give him a pat and a few words of encouragement.

Ambrose admitted it meant a lot to him and added: "Marcus Bent was great to me. The first miss was terrible and I was really disappointed but he ran up and said 'come on, you will get another chance'. Then when another did come and I put it over, he was the first one over to tell me to keep going and that I will get the next one.

"He has been brilliant with me. He has been really helpful. Marcus is someone to look up to. He has been to a lot of clubs and then to come here and be under the sort of pressure he is and perform as well as he does, he is someone to look up to and aspire to be like."

Ambrose's partnership with Darren Bent is uncanny and extremely productive with the pair notching 21 goals between them but it also helps when things are tight.

"It helps when I know Darren Bent is there. When we are on the bench we talk about the game and what we are going to do if we get on.

"And when I'm in trouble it is good to know he will be there to get me out of it. I don't need to look up, I know he is going to making a certain run so I just put it there and with his pace he will get it.

"We combined to score against Bradford at Portman Road when we should have won, so hopefully we can put up a good performance and keep our league run going.

"If we can win tomorrow we can go into the play-off places, so three points is what we are aiming for."

Although the transfer window for the Premier League closes today, Nationwide clubs can carry on buying, selling and making loan deals until the final Thursday in March when the deadline comes as usual.