Premiership defender signs loan deal

Last updated : 14 November 2006 By FootyMad

Ipswich Town manager Jim Magilton has strengthened his struggling squad by snapping up the Middlesbrough teenager Matthew Bates on loan until January.

The 19-year-old, who has made 32 appearances for Boro, is expected to make his Town debut in Sunday's derby clash with Norwich City and hopes to eventually make the switch to Portman Road permanent.

"I'm really looking forward to my time here," Bates told the club's official website.

"I got a phone call to tell me about Ipswich's interest and then I spoke to Gareth Southgate. He said it would be a good move for me. I spoke to Jim Magilton and liked what I heard from him so here I am.

"I'm here until January and then we'll take it from there. There may be a chance to extend my stay if everything goes well.

"Obviously it won't be up to me but, if I play well, then it's a possibility and I'd certainly be interested in staying here."

Magilton added: "Matthew can play anywhere across the back four and I'm delighted he's joining us on loan.

"He's a player we've been watching for a while. He's an ambitious young player who has already experienced Premiership football and is hungry to come here and show us what he can do."