ENGLAND keeper David Stockdale has opened the door for a permanent move to Ipswich Town next summer.

Blues boss Paul Jewell has always conceded that he would stand little chance of prising the 26-year-old away from Premier League employers Fulham once his loan spell in Suffolk expires at the end of the season.

The Yorkshireman is loving life at Portman Road though and – despite the fact he recently signed a new contract which could take him through to 2015 with the west Londoners – he is refusing to rule any future scenarios out.

Especially as he feels 39-year-old Australian custodian Mark Schwarzer, the man keeping him out the side at Craven Cottage, is still some way off hanging up his boots.

“He’s a quality goalkeeper and he’s going to be like that for a number of years yet,” said Stockdale. “I think he could have another two or three seasons in him the shape he keeps himself in.

“If that proves to be the case then you never know what could happen. I’ve signed a long-term contract there, but if we got promoted and the gaffer (Paul Jewell) wanted me, you can never say never.”

The keeper – who has kept five clean sheets during his impressive spell with the Blues – can be recalled by Fulham at 24 hours’ notice. However, he’s keen to let fans know that getting the Blues promoted from the Championship is his sole ambition at present.

“I know it sounds bad but I’m not thinking about (Fulham) too much,” said Stockdale. “I want them to do well of course, but I’m an Ipswich player until told otherwise.

“Don’t get me wrong, theirs is the first result I look for, but I’m not thinking about them every day.

“I really like it here. The coaching staff are great, the squad is good and I’m totally settled and happy.”