Jack Collison hopes to have worked himself into Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy’s thoughts, come the end of the international break.

The 26-year-old signed a short-term deal with the Blues at the end of September but has yet to force his way into McCarthy’s in-form squad, which features 11 other midfielders.

Long-term injuries have hampered the Welsh international’s progress in recent times and, having been released by boyhood club West Ham in the summer, the midfielder had to prove his fitness in Suffolk before being offered a deal until January.

“The international break is coming up and hopefully I can get my head down during that time, work hard, and impress the manager,” said Collison, who also spent time training with Birmingham City.

“It’s been a slightly frustrating time for me but I was given the opportunity to come here and I am thankful to the manager for giving me that chance.

“Being without a club is tough for any footballer but I believe in my ability and when I am fit I know I can do a job.

“The ball is in my court and it’s up to me to start knocking on the door and asking questions, but I know it won’t be easy as the boys have done well recently.

“Whether it’s in the next couple of weeks or in two months’ time, I will look forward to it and hopefully take my chance.”

Collison made 121 appearances for the Hammers, having been at Upton Park since the age of 16, and also spent time on-loan at Wigan and Bournemouth.

“I had a couple of days at Birmingham and had a few irons in the fire, but the opportunity to come here was too good to turn down, for footballing reasons mainly,” said the midfielder.

“The team is fantastic and the manager is someone who stood out for me on day one. Hopefully he will bring the best out of me and I can repay him.”