IPSWICH Town fans need not worry about Josh Carson – the teenager is set to sign a new deal.

The EADT understands that only the formalities are left over the Northern Ireland international winger penning a new contract – initially two years, with the third dependent on clauses.

A graduate of the club’s academy, just 18-years-old, and an exciting direct-running wide player; Carson is exactly the sort of player that supporters – keen to see a core of players the club can build around for years to come – want to watch at Portman Road.

However, doubts emerged recently as to whether the youngster would stay at Portman Road beyond the summer when his current deal expires. Despite playing well in a 2-2 home draw with Blackpool last month, the winger has not only been out of the starting line-up, but out of the squad for the last five games.

In fact, having burst onto the scene under the early management of Paul Jewell last season – scoring three goals in his first five starts for the club – Carson has made just five starts and nine substitute appearances this campaign.

“Josh is disappointed not to be playing, but he understands that he is still learning as a player,” said a source close to the winger. “He recognises that Ipswich is the best club for him to develop.”

Jewell announced at the start of pre-season that Carson had come back from his summer break ‘not in the best of shape’ and told him to ‘knuckle down’. And just last week assistant boss Chris Hutchings said publicly that the youngster had to produce every day in training if he was to force his way into the first team picture.

With widemen Daryl Murphy and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas in top form and experienced midfielders Jimmy Bullard and Grant Leadbitter on the bench at present, Carson has some work to do if he is to force his way into a first team which has won four games in succession.

Town fans will be pleased that the youngster is ready to commit to the Blues though, allaying fears that he might become the latest in a long line of ‘academy products that got away’ following the success of the likes of Jordan Rhodes (Huddersfield) and Liam Trotter (Millwall).