CALLUM Bennett is the only second-year scholar to be offered a professional contract by Ipswich Town.

Six Blues youngsters learned their fate yesterday when five of the Under-18s were told they would be leaving Ipswich.

While Bennett received good news, Carel Tiofack, who was last week linked with a move to Arsenal by national newspapers, was not kept on.

First team boss Paul Jewell, who will now speak to Bennett about a deal, had dismissed the Tiofack reports.

And there was more bad news for Republic of Ireland youth international keeper Conor O’Donnell, who has impressed this season for the academy, and big centre back Jide Maduako.

Wales Under-17s international midfielder Elliot Scotcher and full-back Aaron Jones were also released.

After receiving a number of well-wishes on Twitter, Jones said: “Hard pill to swallow, now out to find myself a new club and try kick on. As much as I was gutted maybe I’ll be better off elsewhere... we’ll wait and see.”

Young Norwegian Nicolay Schr�der has been handed an extension until January 2013 having spent much of his academy time suffering from tendinitis.

Academy manager Sammy Morgan and Under-18s coach Russell Osman will now do everything they can to help the released players find new clubs.

Caolan Lavery, who left the academy earlier this season to try and pursue a professional deal elsewhere, tweeted: “Surprised more boys didn’t get offered deals at Ipswich. Some deserved a chance. Well done to @CallumBennett2 anyways!!”