STOKE City centre-back Danny Collins hopes his loan spell at Ipswich Town will be extended beyond the middle of December.

The 31-year-old will see his 93-day loan spell expire after Town’s game at Barnsley on December 10. He will then have to return to his Premier League employers and would only be able to return to Portman Road – should the two clubs be agreeable – once the transfer window opens again in January.

“I’m enjoying it here, overall I’ve been pleased with my performances,” said the Welsh international, who has so far helped the club to three wins and a draw during his five appearances, keeping clean sheets in three of those games.

“I go back after the Barnsley game but hopefully we can get something sorted out to stay here longer. We’ll have to see what happens.”

Meanwhile, Collins appeared confident he would be fit for Saturday’s Championship trip to Cardiff having pulled out of the Wales squad last week with a groin problem.

“The injury is not too bad,” he said. “Towards the end of last season I just had a bit of aggravation in my groin, I’ve been able to get through the games since I’ve been here but having played five games in a short space of time it just needed a rest.

“It was a shame I couldn’t link up with Wales but this was a chance for me to get it right for the Cardiff game. The physio has done a bit of work with me, I returned to training on Monday and hopefully it will be fine for the weekend.”

Looking ahead to the game, Collins added: “We don’t fear anyone in the league. Look at the squad, there’s a lot of Premier League experience, a lot of quality.

“We’ve changed our formation these last few games and teams are struggling to cope with us. The lads in front of us have started to click and it’s a joy to watch at times.”

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