STUNNED Alan Mahon has been recalled by Blackburn Rovers. But last night he still hoped to be back at Ipswich as soon as possible.The EADT can also reveal that Reading had approached Rovers in a bid to sign the 25-year-old, once his loan period at Portman Road expired in a fortnight's time.

STUNNED Alan Mahon has been recalled by Blackburn Rovers. But last night he still hoped to be back at Ipswich as soon as possible, writes Derek Davis.

The EADT can also reveal that Reading had approached Rovers in a bid to sign the 25-year-old, once his loan period at Portman Road expired in a fortnight's time.

The Irish wing-wizard, who established himself as a firm favourite at Ipswich during his 12 games and one goal stint, last night asked the EADT to thank all Blues fans.

Mahon said: “This has come as a bit of a shock. I have made no secret of how much I have enjoyed myself at Ipswich. The supporters, the players, staff and the media have all be absolutely brilliant to me.

“I was looking forward to playing at West Ham for Ipswich and it seems strange now that I won't be but that's football.

“You never know what is around the corner but I really hope that one day I will be back here. Please thank all the supporters for me as this is a bit sudden.”

Mahon has been drafted straight into the Rovers' squad to face Middlesbrough on Friday and will then travel to St James' Park for the Premiership clash with Newcastle United.

Mahon said: “It is all very confusing at the moment. If he has called me back to actually play then fair enough.

“I'm contracted to Blackburn and I will do my very best for them.

“But it is no secret I'm happy at Ipswich and want to be playing for Ipswich. Perhaps something will still be sorted out.”

Rovers boss Graeme Souness is hoping to sign American midfielder Brian McNab, who has experienced the Premiership with Everton.

Blackburn have been hit by a string of injuries with former Millwall wide man Steve Reid the latest to be forced out.

Souness called Joe Royle yesterday to request Mahon's recall, something the Blues boss had been dreading.

Royle said: “My hands are tied and we have no choice. It is a phone call I have been dreading for a few days now and Graeme was very apologetic but I totally understand.

“Blackburn were brilliant with us when Alan got injured and they paid his wages, so we can't really grumble.

“I had hoped we would be able to keep Alan but that always depended on his availability and our finances.

“We still hope something will be sorted out but we know we have to get on with things without him for now.”

Since losing Damien Duff to Chelsea, Souness has tried a number of different players on the left side with David Thomson the first choice, but he is out for the season with a knee injury.

Since then Brett Emerton, Lucas Neill, Reid, Gresko and most recently Paul Gallagher, have failed to live up to expectations in that position.

Souness said: “Joe understands my position and there is no problem between us. Joe tells me Alan has done very well at Ipswich and the left side has been a problem for us so we took the decision to recall him early.”

Ian Westlake will hope to keep his place on the left side of midfield for the trip to West Ham but could come under pressure from fit-again Martijn Reuser.

Dean Bowditch is also another option as an attacking wide player if Town look to go to a slightly different attacking option.

John McGreal is recovering well from a slight knee problem picked up on Sunday but Richard Naylor remains a doubt with a swollen ankle.