ON-loan striker Giovani dos Santos has admitted he is using Ipswich Town as a stepping stone to get back in the Spurs side.beyond the end of this campaign.

Derek Davis

ON-loan striker Giovani dos Santos has admitted he is using Ipswich Town as a stepping stone to get back in the Spurs side.

Dos Santos limped out of the Blues' goalless draw with Watford on Saturday and has been ordered to fly to Mexico to be assessed, has no intention of staying at Portman Road beyond the end of this campaign.

The 19-year-old former Barcelona player is Dos Santos, who scored on his home debut for Ipswich against Burnley, is hoping Harry Redknapp has a change of heart about him.

Do Santos said: "Once I get out of this mess, I hope everything will go my way. I didn't count for Tottenham's manager. I wasn't part of his plans.

"This is not the best moment of my career but neither is it the worst.

"What I want to do is play and recover my form."

Dos Santos has a slight groin strain that will probably keep him out of Sven-Goran Eriksson's side to play Costa Rico and Honduras in Mexico's World Cup qualifiers but Town hope he will be fine for when they travel to Sheffield United in 10 day's time.

Ipswich are also sweating on the fitness of David Wright who is not expected to train at all this week after straining a hamstring and will be looked at again next week.

Moritz Volz continues to recover and is expected to play for Town's reserves in the Suffolk Premier Cup semi-final at Needham Market tonight.

Luciano Civelli is set for surgery of his damaged knee and could be out until Christmas, although specialists hope he could be back in September.

Jon Walters is making good progress with his ruptured ankle ligaments but is still some way off playing.

Less of a concern now is Tommy Miller who came off against Watford with a dead leg and he will be rested this week ready for April 4.

That is also the deadline for the 'early bird' discount for season ticket buyers with the club last night insisting take up was on par with the same period last year.

* Fabian Wilnis has been dealt a blow by Dutch side Feyenoord who have told him they will not know be able to play in his testimonial match against Ipswich Town this summer. New opponents are now being sought.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk