THINGS are up in the air for Danny Karbassiyoon at the moment, but he is prepared for every eventuality.In the short term the quiet American could find himself playing right-back for Ipswich against QPR today, and in the longer term he could still be wearing the Blue of Town, or the Red of Arsenal.

By Derek Davis

THINGS are up in the air for Danny Karbassiyoon at the moment, but he is prepared for every eventuality.

In the short term the quiet American could find himself playing right-back for Ipswich against QPR today, and in the longer term he could still be wearing the Blue of Town, or the Red of Arsenal.

The on-loan defender's versatility could prove crucial if Fabian Wilnis is ruled out and manager Joe Royle has to make adjustments.

If Scott Mitchell's sciatica forces him to miss out then Town could either employ three at the back with David Unsworth shuffling across, or Unsworth could move to the right and either Karbassiyoon or Matt Richards could move in to left-back.

Either way the Virginian is ready to do whatever he has to do.

Karbassiyoon said: “I can play with my right foot and I can play full-back.

“I have played right-back at Arsenal for the reserves when there has been an injury. It was weird at first If I was put there then I'm sure I could adjust and do a job.”

Although there is a two-year option at the end of the season, Karbassiyoon has no idea if the Gunners will pick that up or, if they don't, if Ipswich will offer him something.

He said: “Things are still up in the air with Arsenal so we will have to see at the end of the season.

“If it meant I had to go looking for another club then coming to Ipswich would be fantastic, especially in the Premiership.

“I really feel a part of the squad here and that is good and I hope they feel the same way.

“Everyone has been brilliant to me since I have been here. I have welcomed the support of the fans, the club showed great faith in me bringing me in at such a crucial time of the season.”

Karbassiyoon's loan spell still has nearly a month to run and a decision to keep him permanently could be made before the league's transfer window closes on the final Thursday in March.

Whatever the outcome, the 20-year-old is philosophical about his tie at Portman Road.

He said: “If I did go back then I will take back a lot with me. I have done a lot of defensive work and as every game has been important the coaches have gone through a lot with me.

“Learning from older and more experienced guys has been great for me and if I go back then I won't be worried about playing in big stadiums with big crowds in big games because I have experienced that and it has been valuable.

“Since David (Unsworth) came I'm getting less minutes' game time but I'm still enjoying the first-team experience, being in the 16 and it is all helping me.”

Karbassiyoon admits he is still very much a student of the game, especially after switching from being a forward, which is what he was when he was spotted by Paul Mariner in America.

He added: “Unsworth is a very decent player, he is solid and experienced and has already done well for us.

“I have watched him closely, just as I watch Ashley Cole, and pick up what I can as I'm still learning the position.

“The goal he got at Sheffield (United) was outstanding but as I used to be a striker so hopefully if I got into that position could finish like that.”

Although he has only been in Suffolk for less than three months, Karbassiyoon is hooked on Ipswich and is convinced they will make the top two, just as he is sure the Gunners will finish the season strongly.

He said: “This is a tough part of the season but this Ipswich team has the character to come through it.

“Every team gets a bad patch, even Arsenal have gone through one, but hopefully they are starting to pick it up again now.

“You wouldn't expect them to lose any game 3-1 but I feel when they get them back to Highbury they can come back.

They beat Inter Milan 5-1 last season so anything can happen.”

Like Karbassiyoon's future there is much uncertainty in football, but the next three months are going to settle so many things for so many people.