DANNY Karbassiyoon returned to Arsenal today convinced Ipswich Town will go up automatically.The full-back made six appearances while on loan for Town, and believes the Blues blip will soon be passed to someone else.

DANNY Karbassiyoon returned to Arsenal today convinced Ipswich Town will go up automatically.

The full-back made six appearances while on loan for Town, and believes the Blues blip will soon be passed to someone else.

Karbassiyoon said: "If Ipswich can lose three games in a row in this division then so can anyone else.

"The supporters have to keep faith with the team who I'm sure can make it automatically."

The American's return to Arsenal came out of the blue for Town boss Joe Royle who was happy to keep him until the full three-month period had run out and then make a decision by then.

Arsenal reserve team coach Neil Banfield had spoken to Karbassiyoon about the situation, who then approached Royle after training yesterday.

Karbassiyoon said: "I have not played for some time and while I'm sad about leaving Ipswich, I have to do what is best for my career.

"Since David Unsworth came in I have not really figured but that is nothing against Unsworth and you can't blame Ipswich – Unsworth is a very experienced player.

"I have had a great time at Ipswich. The people were really good to me and I have learned a lot from the experience."

The 22-year-old made his Town debut against West Ham, on Boxing Day, and figured in the win at Plymouth two days later.

But it was his FA Cup debut against Bolton that was the pick of the bunch for the converted full-back.

Karbassiyoon said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and playing against a Premiership team was a real buzz. I felt I played well in that game as well so that was neat."

The young Gunner is hoping he can force his way into Arsene Wenger's first team plans but has not discounted going out on loan again – albeit reluctantly.

He said: "We will have to see. It would not be to just any club as I'm not sure I want to go through the whole process of not knowing anyone in the team for a month."

Royle wished Karbassiyoon well and sees a bright future for the Virginian who was first spotted by Paul Mariner.

He said: "He's a lovely lad who settled in here very easily and has made some friends for life but he has not played much first-team football lately and that is what he needs.

"He is learning a new position as well but in time he will be a terrific footballer."

Arsenal and Karbassiyoon have a two-year extension option on his current contract, which runs out in the summer.

n TWO of Town's strikers have been selected for England in their respective age groups.

Dean Bowditch is in the England Under 19s who play European Championship qualifiers against Denmark, Sweden and Moldova, in the north-west of England in the last week of March.

Darryl Knights is in the under 17s squad who meet Serbia & Montenegro, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the west midlands, with the qualifiers from the group going to the summer finals in Italy.