IPSWICH boss Joe Royle has insisted that 'forgotten man' Jaime Peters could still have a big future at Portman Road.Little has been seen of the 18-year-old Canadian international winger since his last senior outing in September, when he was a substitute in the 3-0 league defeat at Burnley.

By Mel Henderson

IPSWICH boss Joe Royle has insisted that 'forgotten man' Jaime Peters could still have a big future at Portman Road.

Little has been seen of the 18-year-old Canadian international winger since his last senior outing in September, when he was a substitute in the 3-0 league defeat at Burnley.

But the Town boss expects Peters to follow the example of USA star Bobby Convey, who has helped fire Reading to the top of the Championship and to within touching distance of the top flight.

Royle said: “You have to remember that Jaime is still a kid and he's a long way from home.

“He is still finding his way and a lot of his time has been spent travelling back and forth across the big pond.

“Convey took time to make his mark at Reading, but he has really exploded this season and I believe it will be next season before we see the best of Jaime.”

The records show that 24-year-old Convey was signed from DC United in July 2004 and went on to start seven games, and appear as a substitute in 15 others, last term.

But it has been a vastly different story in the current campaign, with Convey one of four Royals' stars to be ever-present in the league, while also weighing in with four goals and several more assists.

Apart from being on the bench for successive away games against Brighton and Derby, the diminutive Peters has not been involved at first team level for four months and many fans have been puzzled by his absence from the scene.

Peters put Ipswich ahead of offers from Premiership giants Chelsea and Manchester United, and the club faced an anxious wait to break through red tape before he was given the go-ahead.

He arrived on the eve of the season and has so far started four games and come off the bench to join the action in a further six.

Royle added: “Jaime has an abundance of natural talent and pace, but he hasn't had a proper pre-season and he will benefit from that in the summer.

“He needs to build up a stamina bank and that will help him, but you mustn't forget that he is still young and it takes time to settle in a new environment.

“He's in a new country with a different climate and he's got new friends to make. It's a big step for anyone, never mind a kid of 18.

“But he's a great lad who is listening and learning as he goes along. We still have great hopes for him and he has ambitions of his own to fulfil.

“You certainly haven't seen the last of him. He can still play a very big part in the future of Ipswich Town.”