Mick McCarthy was once again remaining coy when asked about his transfer plans, following this afternoon’s 0-0 draw at Peterborough.

Town have been linked with former Leeds midfielder Rodolph Austin in recent days, with the Blues understood to be one of six clubs interested in the Jamaican, while former Sheffield Wednesday man Giles Coke has been training with the club and started at London Road.

Coke looked neat and tidy before being replaced on the hour mark, with McCarthy keen to take a look ahead of another likely appearance at Colchester on Tuesday, but he was unwilling to comment further on any reported interest in Austin.

“We’re just having a look at him, we’re still looking for players and he’s out of contract so I thought we’d have a look,” McCarthy said of Coke.

When asked about his interest in Austin, the Town boss said: “No, and I wouldn’t tell you if there was.

“I think you’ll find he (Austin) is playing in the final of the Gold Cup this weekend, so unless he decides to not go and play in that then he won’t be here.”

McCarthy did say he expects young defender Matt Clarke to complete a loan move to Portsmouth, where he is currently training, before the start of the season, but only when the Ipswich boss is happy with his own options at the back.

“He’ll be going on loan when I’m ready to do it, I need to make sure but he’ll probably be there before the season starts,” he said.

“They’re delighted with him and I really want him to get some football because he’s a great kid and a good player, he needs to be playing at a professional level.

“He will go but I just need to be sure I’m covered.”

Midfielder Darren Ambrose is continuing to train with the Blues as he bids for a fresh deal and played the final 30 minutes today, with McCarthy insisting no decision has been made on his future.

He said: “I just want to make sure to be fair to him because he’s not been fit, he got 30 minutes today in the team playing up front which is not his slot really, so we’ll see.

“We’re still working on it.”