DANNY Karbassiyoon had no qualms at cancelling Christmas so he can play for Ipswich Town, writes Derek Davis.The 20-year-old last night admitted he had left a lot of friends and family in America disappointed at his change of plans, but he is convinced it will be worthwhile after signing on loan for Ipswich from Arsenal.

DANNY Karbassiyoon had no qualms at cancelling Christmas so he can play for Ipswich Town, writes Derek Davis.

The 20-year-old last night admitted he had left a lot of friends and family in America disappointed at his change of plans, but he is convinced it will be worthwhile after signing on loan for Ipswich from Arsenal.

Karbassiyoon said: "I found out I was going home about two weeks ago and made a lot of arrangements, so I guess a lot of people will be disappointed.

"But I came here to do something and this is what I want to do with my life so if that means missing Christmas then that is what I will do."

The American started his career as a striker and it was as a front man that he was signed by Arsenal after being spotted playing at College level in Virginia.

Karbassiyoon can also play in midfield but has settled as a left-back recently for the Gunners.

He said: "I'm happy wherever I play whether I come on or I start. Ashley (Cole) and Gael (Clichy) are fantastic players and it is hard to get past them."

"If it means coming to Ipswich and leaving Arsenal to get experience then that is what I will do."

Karbassiyoon had to settle for a place on the bench against Wigan but hopes he can push his way into the Town starting line-up. He has enjoyed a good run in the Reserves since the start of the 2004/05 campaign, playing in all bar two of the Gunners' 14 fixtures to date, including the 2-1 win over Ipswich in September.

He made his first-team debut as a substitute in the Carling Cup victory at Manchester City, scoring what proved to be Arsenal's winning goal.

He said: "It is good to go out on loan as the points mean something whereas playing in the reserves each week you are trying to win but it is usually a different team each week."

With Matt Richards playing so well against Wigan on Tuesday it is difficult to see the American starting in the near future.

Blues boss Joe Royle admits to never having seen him play, although the young Gunner did play against Town Reserves earlier in the season.

Although he went straight on to the bench against Wigan, Karbassiyoon will get to know his new team-mates better when they all return from time off for training tomorrow.

He will be included in the squad for the trip to Millwall on Sunday but again may have to settle for a seat in the dug-out.

Born to an Iranian father and an Italian mother who is originally from Naples, football is ingrained in his family life back in Virginia.

Karbassiyoon previously played for American side Roanoke Star before joining Arsenal in August 2003, and he has gained international experience with both the United States Under-18 and Under-20 teams.

n Wigan Athletic have passed on their thanks to Ipswich Town supporters who immaculately respected the minute's silence before Tuesday's age for their former manager Harry McAnally. derek.davis@eadt.co.uk