IPSWICH Town have signed a player who could one day be a key part of Manchester City’s mega star line-up.

Reece Wabara, a 19-year-old right-back – who was playing for England at the Under-20 World Cup in Colombia just last month – joins the Blues on loan until January today and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s visit of Brighton.

“I spoke to David Platt (Man City coach) at length and they think he’s going to be good enough for their team eventually,” said Jewell – an impressive statement seeing as Roberto Mancini currently has Micah Richards and Pablo Zabaleta at his disposal in that position.

“The lad is quick and strong. I’ve seen him play at centre-back and right-back and I think centre-half is his position.

“I spoke to him and he is very keen to come – he has a lot of confidence in his own ability. I’ve told him he has to fight for his place and he is keen to do that.”

Birmingham-born Wabara was snapped up from Walsall aged 15 after eagle-eyed City scouts spotted his potential. He signed a lucrative three-year contract at the Etihad Stadium back in March and made his professional debut as a late substitute in a 2-0 away win at Bolton on the final day of last season.

He’ll provide competition for Carlos Edwards who, despite being charged with motoring offences on Monday, impressed Jewell little over 24 hours later in the 1-0 win at West Ham.

“I got him in the office on Monday and he said he was okay to play,” said Jewell.

“He played as good a game, especially first half, as he has all season. A game of football for these guys can be a way of escaping a problem they might have off the pitch.

“Carlos has done exceptionally well but we felt we needed a bit more cover.”

– See tomorrow’s EADT and Evening Star for match preview, analysis and comment.