DANNY Haynes has forced all off field activities out of his mind as he looks to get back his starting place with Ipswich Town.

Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

DANNY Haynes has forced all off field activities out of his mind as he looks to get back his starting place with Ipswich Town.

The speedster's goal is then an England Under-21 spot which he sees as a realistic prospect this season.

Although out on police bail until October 13 after a domestic incident, the 20-year-old is determined not to allow his personal life to affect his game. Haynes said: “When I'm on the field I don't think about anything else. That is when I am at my happiest. I can forget about everything else and I just stay focused. I love the fans' reaction to me and I use what I have done in the past to help my game.

“I don't let anything outside affect me. I just concentrate on my football and on how I can improve myself and how what I can bring to the table.

Mental imaging plays a big part in Haynes' preparation and even when warming up as a substitute Haynes is trying to use his brain more.

The 20-year-old, who netted the winner against Crystal Palace last February, explained: “I prepare by thinking about what I can bring to the team, do what I can for the team and prepare for whatever challenge comes my way. I just focus on getting my head right.

“When I'm warming up I look for weaknesses and work out what I need to do when I come on. I look to exploit the full-back and I have played Palace a few times now so know what to expect.”

Like most young men Haynes is in a hurry to achieve but is learning about patience.

He said; “It does frustrate me being on the bench but I'm young and still have a lot to learn about the game so I need to be patient.

“I just want to be playing in the top flight. It is everyone's dream but I'm patient enough to wait and do it with Ipswich.”

Another thing he lusts for is or more international recognition and believes he can mix with the likes of Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Haynes added: “Getting into the England Under-21s squad is one of my targets this year.

“I know if I'm on my game and I can be consistent I can get in that squad.

“I don't look at any of them and worry about them. I feel I'm good enough to be in there with them.”

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk