CONNOR Wickham today faced up to the question that all Ipswich Town fans want answered.

And the 18-year-old rising star who has a vital part to play in tonight’s Championship skirmish against promotion-seeking Norwich City at Portman Road (kick-off 7.45pm) gave the reply every member of the Blue Army was thirsting to hear.

Asked amid all the speculation about whether he should move up the Premier League this summer, Wickham was asked how he would feel if Ipswich accepted a big bid from a highly interested Liverpool.

“I’m happy here,” was the immediate reply.

“It’s honestly not crossed my mind what might happen in the summer.

“I’m focused on Ipswich Town and I’m enjoying what I like doing most – playing week-in, week-out.

“I love every minute of my life and the spark has not gone.

“Ever since I could walk I have been kicking a ball, and I never thought it would turn out this well.

“If an offer came in it would be down to Ipswich, but my sights are set on getting Ipswich into the Premier League.”

Wickham, who signed a contract extension that takes him to the summer of 2014, feels a win in his first East Anglian derby could be the prelude to a late run to a top six finish.

He went on: “Six points might be enough if other results go our way. We have 12 to play for and are on a bit of a roll with four wins in our last five games.

“The play-offs did look a bit out of our reach, but now it’s a possibility again and this is what we are focusing on.”

Wickham revealed that he set himself a target of at least 10 goals this season, and added: “I told the coaching staff this was my aim last season, and I managed six.

“This time I am going for double figures with four games left to net at least two more goals.

“The new manager has played me and I’ve been lucky enough to score a few goals. A run in the side has benefits all round. I have never felt fitter while it helps players get to know each other on the field and bonds the side together.

“There is a great deal of banter and we all have a laugh and a joke, but when the games come it is down to serious business.

“Confidence is high and you can feel it every day when we come in for training.

“I’ve never felt any pressure - I’ve just wanted to do my best and we now have my pal Josh Carson in the side and doing ever so well. At the right club and with the right people around him he can go really far.”

Wickham was injured for the 4-1 defeat at Carrow Road earlier this season, and he knows the importance to fans of matches against Norwich.

“We want to get a good result for our fans and after the 4-1 defeat we want to put it right this time.”

CAN you see Wickham staying at Ipswich long term? Let us know - e-mail starsport@eveningstar.co.uk.