IPSWICH Town have confirmed that Vemund Brekke-Skard is NOT eligible to play competitive football for them until January 2, despite reports to the contrary.

IPSWICH Town have confirmed that Vemund Brekke-Skard is NOT eligible to play competitive football for them until January 2, despite reports to the contrary, writes Derek Davis.

The Blues are still hoping a way can be found for the 24-year-old Norwegian to be able to play before the window opens but at present he is regarded as a professional player because he was paid travelling expenses to turn out for his home town club Brummundaal.

Although his contract with Brummunddal ended on October 31, because he was deemed a professional when the August transfer window closed, he still cannot play despite what has been reported on the internet.

Derek Bowden, Ipswich Town chief executive, last night clarified the situation and said: “As things stand, Vemund is not allowed to play either for the reserves against Spurs on Monday or Coventry City next Saturday.

“We can only get his registration transferred from Norway when the window re-opens as he is considered a professional by the Norwegian FA. If he was regarded as an amateur by the Norway FA and the English FA ratified that then he would be able to play.”

Although Skard has a slight groin injury at present, Town had originally hoped to play him in a reserve game on Monday at home against Spurs and on Saturday against Coventry City.

The Blues senior squad have been handed the weekend off after double training sessions during the week and will report back on Monday in preparation for their trip to the newly-opened Ricoh Stadium on Saturday.