THERE are unlikely to be any more new arrivals at Portman Road before the summer.

The Blues signed six players last month – Patrick Kisnorbo, David McGoldrick, Aaron Mclean, Frank Nouble, Richard Stearman, Anthony Wordsworth and Stephen Henderson – with the January transfer window shutting at 11pm on Thursday.

Football League clubs will have the opportunity to sign players on 93-day loan deals when the ‘emergency’ loan window opens again next Friday, but Blues assistant boss Terry Connor says it’s unlikely that any more signings will be made.

He said: “We’re happy with what we’ve done up until this point. There’s always that scope to add more, but we’ve got five (domestic) loanees now, which is the maximum you can out into the squad (on a matchday). Anyone above that number wouldn’t be ideal.

“I would say it’s unlikely, but the opportunity is there if we need to.”

Henderson’s return to the club for a second spell took Town’s number of loan deals for the season to 15.

The Irishman looks set to go straight back into goal for today’s visit of Middlesbrough, with Connor admitting that he and boss Mick McCarthy may have to explain the situation to Scott Loach following his impressive run in the side.

“Stephen was in goal for a five and six-goal losses (against Crystal Palace and Leicester respectively) when he first came here, but he always showed the desire to play in goal.

“Stephen enjoyed his time here, he indicated he wanted to come back, and we are pleased to have him back. It gives us a bit of competition until the end of the season.

“If that chat (with Loach), has to come, it will come, I’m sure.

“There’s competition for every place in the team and it’s up to all the players to show why they should be in it. It’s healthy competition.”

Speaking of new recruits Stearman and Wordsworth, Connor continued: “Richard is a real competitor, a great centre-half who is equally comfortable at full-back and he’ll bring a measure of steel and determination to the team.

“We know his temperament and his character. And we know that, with the games having as much meaning to them as they will, he is mentally ready to play those games.

“He plays his football in a determined manner and we think that will be good for us.”

He added: “Anthony has been in for a couple of days and done very, very well. He’s done everything we’d expect from him. His last competitive game was three or four weeks ago, so whether he’s ready to start a game I don’t know.

“He’s certainly someone we can work with who will make an impact between now and the end of the season. We hope he can add a bit of creativity to our midfield.”

– For live match updates today, follow @Stuart_Watson and @ChrisBramms on Twitter.