OWEN Garvan today revealed that he has lost none of his appetite for football or playing for Ipswich Town.The 21-year-old midfielder is expected to keep his place in the Blues side for tomorrow's Championship visit to Cardiff City (kick-off 3pm) having been out in the cold for three months until recalled against Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday.

Elvin King

OWEN Garvan today revealed that he has lost none of his appetite for football or playing for Ipswich Town.

The 21-year-old midfielder is expected to keep his place in the Blues side for tomorrow's Championship visit to Cardiff City (kick-off 3pm) having been out in the cold for three months until recalled against Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday.

He admits it was hard, but he holds no animosity against manager Roy Keane.

“I don't know if my form dipped, but it is the manager's choice which side he selects,” said Garvan, who has made over 150 Town appearances since making his debut as a 17-year-old.

“I am by nature a confident lad, and I knew if I worked hard I would get back into the side.

“It has been hard and there were times when I did wonder whether I would get back, but I haven't lost my appetite for the game or playing for Ipswich Town.

“I missed the atmosphere and the Saturday night glow after collecting three points. The pride in me ensured that.”

Now that he is back Garvan wants to retain his place in the side starting with a good performance against promotion-chasing Cardiff.

“I can see myself doing something for Ipswich Town, and hopefully playing a part in a move up the table,” added Garvan.

“Hopefully the manager sees things the same way.

“I like to think my future will be at Ipswich and this is why I turned down a chance to move on loan to Colchester United.

“Over the last four years I feel I have done well enough in the Championship, so I wanted to stay at this level.

“This is like a new start for me in what hopefully will be a long run in the team, and it is good to be back.”

Garvan, who was given a great reception by Ipswich fans on his return against the Owls, is well aware that an improvement in results needs to be made - and quickly.

He went on: “We haven't done much in the last couple of years with supporters frustrated because we have not got to the play-offs.

“We now need a string of wins and that is not beyond us. We have the players to achieve this.

“I came back early from a Republic of Ireland Under-21's early after picking up a suspension so that I could play in an Ipswich reserve game against Luton - and it paid off.

“The manager I think liked what he saw and brought me back into the squad. I always want to play - and hopefully it will now continue.”

Alex Bruce is likely to be out for up to three weeks after tearing a groin muscle against Wednesday, while new striker Stern John was in good early form, netting a couple of well-taken goals in a practice match yesterday morning.