COLIN Healy is determined to make the most of his second chance at playing for Ipswich Town.

Derek Davis

COLIN Healy is determined to make the most of his second chance at playing for Ipswich Town.

The Blues' new �60,000 signing from Cork City was rejected by Jim Magilton after playing a trial game at Boston for Town three years ago.

After signing a two-year deal for Roy Keane's Ipswich yesterday, Healy told the Evening Star how he was looking to show his worth.

Healy said: “Jim didn't think I was right for the club so nothing came of it. These things happen and everyone is entitled to their opinions.

“I enjoyed it down here but he didn't think I was good enough. That was it, so I moved on.

“I have another opportunity now so I want to make the most of it.”

Healy rejected the opportunity to join League One side Hartlepool after Keane made a late bid for the 29-year-old after Cork had accepted a bid from United and personal talks were being held.

He said: “Ipswich is a big club and when I came here before it was great and I was looked after really well. I'm now looking at being part of this club.

“I can understand Hartlepool being upset but I had to come to talk with Roy and that happens in football.

“I didn't have a clue I would be coming here and really thought I was going to Hartlepool.”

Healy is expected to make his bow for the Blues today at Portman Road as Town entertain Colchester United in a friendly, kicking off at 2pm, that will also host Fabian Wilnis' testimonial match.

The U's are managed by Paul Lambert, a former team mate of Healy at Celtic Park and the pair last played together in a 3-0 win over St Johnstone in February 2003.

Healy said: “I played with Paul at Celtic and he is doing a great job at Colchester.

“I played with Roy in the Irish team but I don't really know him well. I know Paul better because I played at Celtic with him for a couple of years.

“He used to take the Mick out of the younger lads at Celtic, he was quite funny and a good guy really.”

Kevin Lisbie is a big doubt to face his old club today after picking up a knock in the 7-2 win over Clacton on Thursday night when he was in among the scorers.

Pablo Counago has not yet decided to make a move to Swansea City after the clubs agreed a fee that could break the Welsh side's transfer record fee, which currently stands at �400,000.

Meanwhile, Ched Evans who had been linked with the Blues has joined Sheffield United for �3.5m, while Dean Whitehead has made the move from Sunderland to Stoke City for an initial �3.5m

Black cats pair Daryl Murphy and Whitehead had talks with Town after Sunderland accepted �5m offer for the pair.