IPSWICH TOWN: Connor Wickham today confirmed that there is enough potential at the Blues to keep him at Portman Road next season.

And he’s expressed his desire to help take Town into the Premier League.

The sought-after striker, who turned 18 last Thursday and celebrated with a headed goal in Saturday’s 2-1 Championship victory at Burnley, is being tailed by a number of Premier League clubs with Liverpool and Tottenham leading the way.

Town manager Paul Jewell admitted last week that he has no intention of losing Wickham but if a ‘crazy’ offer came in during the summer it would be difficult for a club in Ipswich’s position to refuse.

But Wickham, who showed his maturity with a hard-working and effective display at Turf Moor lifting his goal tally up to seven, had this message for concerned Town fans:

“There are enough good players at Ipswich to satisfy my own requirements for next season.

“The gaffer told me his plans when he first came in.

“I’ve spoken to him one-on-one several times, and I’ve been happy with the ideas he has had on his mind.

“I signed an extended contract after that and I want to get Ipswich in the Premier League, which is what we all do.”

It is believed that Wickham is close to agreeing to extend his current deal that runs out in 2013, which would show his optimism in the future at Portman Road and also safeguard a realistic fee for the club if the teenager was to move on.

Town picked up no injury problems and have a week of full training before they entertain Crystal Palace on Saturday, which is Kieron Dyer’s final game before his loan deal with West Ham runs out.