DANNY Higginbotham knows that some Town fans will view his one-month loan deal in Suffolk with a degree of cynicism.

The fact the Stoke City defender has only joined for four weeks suggests some concern on his part over whether Paul Jewell will last that long.

Not a bit of it, insists Higginbotham, who admitted he was looking for a fresh challenge with his career with the Potters coming to a close.

The 33-year-old said: “I didn’t seek any assurances (on Jewell’s future). The first thing was that he wanted me to come here – which was enough for me.

“The one-month deal was the first thing that came up – there was nothing behind that, though I am sure people will be saying different things.

“It is something that was done initially and come the end of the month, if the club are happy with me and I am enjoying it, then hopefully it can be extended.”

Higginbotham was believed to be on Jewell’s radar for most of the summer and the player himself said there had been some interest from various clubs.

But after he was left out of Tony Pulis’ 25-man Premier League squad, he decided the time was right for a second Championship loan spell – after a short stay with Nottingham Forest last year.

Higginbotham, who Jewell confirmed will make his Town debut tomorrow, said: “I have not really spoken in general with Tony (Pulis) but I am into my last year at Stoke and I honestly believe that time has come to an end.

“I have no hard feelings about that – I know when it is right to move on. I have enjoyed some great times over the last few years but I am sure come the end of the season, that will be me done at Stoke.

“I just wanted to go out and playing football and showing I can still play the game. Hopefully, I can get something sorted come the end of the season. I would consider the Championship, without a doubt.

“I want to play football for as long as I can and I believe I still have got a few more years in me. I have looked after my body and some of the lads are playing well into their thirties – I take great comfort in that.”

Higgingbotham will line up alongside Luke Chambers, after sharing a dressing room with Town’s vice-captain while at Forest.

The Blues currently have the second-worst defensive record in the Championship.