Wickham Concentrates on Town

Last updated : 14 June 2010 By BBC Sport
The 17-year-old hit the headlines after scoring the winning goal in the European Championship final for England Under-17s against Spain.

He told BBC Look East: "Ipswich is the only thing on my mind, I've got no intentions of moving elsewhere.

"I've got a good head on my shoulders so it's not going to make me get big-time or anything like that."

Before the Under-17s tournament began stories in the press had linked the Colchester-born forward with a move to Tottenham, and pundits have already started to compare him to previous England prodigy Wayne Rooney.

I remember watching football when I was knee-high, and to be thinking in the next ten years I'd be doing what my idols do is a bit surreal

"To be reading in the papers that I'm worth £10m or that Premier League clubs are interested is a bit of an experience in itself.

"In five years time I'll hopefully be playing week-in, week-out and playing for the England senior team in the World Cup."

Wickham became Town's youngest ever player at the age of 16 years and 11 days, coming off the bench in a 3-1 defeat to Doncaster in April 2009.

The emergence of Wickham has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for Roy Keane's side, with the youngster scoring six goals in 29 appearances.

"I remember watching football when I was knee-high, and to be thinking in the next 10 years I'd be doing what my idols do is a bit surreal," he added.

"But I've just got to keep my feet on the ground and I've got the right people around like my Mum, Dad and little brother.

I applaud Roy Keane for putting a price tag of £10m for Connor to the likes of Arsenal and Spurs, and if Town intend to get promoted then we need the talent and skill of this starlet to stay

"I'm just grateful I've had the opportunity to play and I've taken it with both hands."

Keane has made it clear he wants the rising star to keep his feet firmly on the ground and Wickham says the former Manchester United midfielder has made an impact on his game.

"What he did in his career was an amazing achievement and I'd love to be able to do what he's done," he said.

"He's helped me, he's told me the right things and hopefully I can learn from him because he has experienced everything himself."

If Wickham were to leave Portman Road this summer, the move would involve a substantial transfer fee as he has a two-year deal at the Suffolk club

Source: BBC Sport