RICARDO Rocha will spend this week looking to win a contract with Ipswich Town.

The 33-year-old former Spurs and Portsmouth defender started training with Town yesterday as Paul Jewell continues to look for a bargain solution to his defensive problems.

Danny Higginbotham came in on Friday night for a month’s loan, making his debut as a late sub against Charlton on Saturday.

But while the Stoke City defender’s deal could be extended to a total of three months, Jewell is clearly looking at other options.

Rocha, who has six caps for Portugal, played Champions League football with Benfica before signing for Spurs for �3 million in 2007.

He joined Portsmouth in February 2010 where he helped the club to the FA Cup final of that season.

Despite winning the player of the year trophy last year, he was released after Pompey were relegated to League One.

The decision to give Rocha a chance appears to have lessened any chance of fellow defender – and trialist – Abdoulaye Meite a contract.