Despite his tender years, new Ipswich Town loanee Conor Grant has already had his fair share of ups and downs as a professional footballer.

Everton academy product Grant’s first spell away from Goodison Park came in February 2015 when he was sent out on loan to struggling SPL side Motherwell.

Twelve days later he scored on his debut with a curling free kick against Ross County and played a crucial part as The Steelmen preserved their top-flight status thanks to a two-legged, 6-1 aggregate play-off victory over promotion hopefuls Rangers in the May.

The jubilation that followed was in stark contrast to how he finished last season, part of the Doncaster Rovers squad that was relegated to League Two under Darren Ferguson.

Both spells have given Grant some vital experience though, on and off the pitch, and the midfielder, who possesses a cultured left foot, hopes to put that to good use, whilst progressing his own personal development at Portman Road.

Grant, the newphew of former Everton and Manchester City midfielder Tony Grant, said: “I have been to Scotland and Doncaster and now Ipswich, so I don’t do short loan moves!

“But those spells turned me into a man and welcomed me to the professional game.

“The Motherwell/Rangers games were crazy, they were massive games although you don’t really realise that at the time.

“Then at Doncaster, I don’t know how that squad ended up being relegated, but it was still a great experience for me.

“They gave me an insight into what it was all about and I have improved as a player.

“I am hoping this loan move will help me too. I am not guaranteed a first-team spot, so it’s up to me to give 100 per cent every day.”

Grant made a positive start to his Town career at the weekend, impressing as a second-half substitute in the 4-2 home win over Barnsley.

However, he was overshadowed somewhat by fellow debutant Grant Ward, who, also on as a half-time sub, scored a second-half hat-trick.

“It was incredible for him, just amazing, he’s a very good player,” said Grant.

“It was brilliant for me to get a half, it was an nice welcome to the Championship, end-to-end, with a lot of battling for the ball.

“There was also a lot of tension as we wanted to get that first win under our belts and it was a whirlwind few days for me.

He added: “There’s a great blend of youth and experience here and the lads have been brilliant with me and let me get on with business. It’s important I repay them on the pitch.”