HURTING Luke Hyam is going to use the disappointment and frustration at being dropped as a driving force to win his place back with the Blues.

The local lad and fans’ favourite was bombed from the Town team after February’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton and has played just 12 minutes in the subsequent 10 matches.

And while the clamour for Hyam to return to the side in the final four games grows ever louder, the 20-year-old has no complaints over his handling by manager Paul Jewell.

The midfielder said: “It has been a bit frustrating over the last few weeks and I have been disappointed – but that is the same for any player not in the team.

“I trust the manager, he is very experienced and has managed in the Premier League.

“Hopefully if I keep working hard in training I might get a bit of game-time.

“The manager watches training every day and he picks the team based on people impressing there.”

With Town in 15th, many supporters believe this is a perfect time to blood the former Town trainee with a view to him being an integral part of the team next season.

The hard-working Hyam, who has been part of the 18-man matchday squad in recent games, knows he still has plenty of room for improvement.

He explained: “I have done afternoon training sessions here improving my passing and awareness and hopefully it is paying off. But I am only going to improve by playing games.

“I’m not too far away from it. “But I want to get on the bench or even start – that is my aim.”

And in a direct message to Town fans, Hyam added: “I appreciate all the support from the fans, but I want to impress the manager as he is the one who picks the team.

“I just want to play as much as I can before the end of the season and then come back for next year flying. I want to be in the Ipswich team from day one next season.”