JORDAN Rhodes believes he will come back from his loan spell at Oxford United a bigger and better all-round player.Rhodes has been clocking up the milestones at the Kassam Stadium and the 17-year-old striker will make his FA Cup debut for Oxford United this weekend after Blues boss Jim Magilton gave permission for him to play against Merthyr Tydfil in the fourth qualifying round.

By Derek Davis

JORDAN Rhodes believes he will come back from his loan spell at Oxford United a bigger and better all-round player.

Rhodes has been clocking up the milestones at the Kassam Stadium and the 17-year-old striker will make his FA Cup debut for Oxford United this weekend after Blues boss Jim Magilton gave permission for him to play against Merthyr Tydfil in the fourth qualifying round.

Rhodes said: “It s a big chance for me and that's why I'm here, to improve on my whole game and the physical aspects.

“I've not had much opportunity in Ipswich Reserves this year as we've got a very strong side.

“Pablo Counago's come in and there is Jon Walters from last season. So the strikers that were playing last season have now dropped to the reserves and I've only been on the bench.”

Rhodes has made two starts and one substitute appearance in the Blue Square Premier and although he has not scored he has impressed at Oxford during his loan spell and is likely to keep his starting place against the Welsh side.

Meanwhile, George O'Callaghan is back at Portman Road being treated for a hamstring injury. The Irish midfielder missed Brighton's 1-0 defeat by Leeds at the weekend and is a doubt for the trip to Hartlepool on Saturday.