Magilton won’t prevent O’Callaghan from leaving Ipswich

IPSWICH manager Jim Magilton has said that he won’t stand in the way of George O’Callaghan leaving Portman Road.

The former Cork City icon has struggled to make an impression at the Championship side this season and has expressed frustration at his lack of first team opportunities. League One side Brighton, against whom O’Callaghan impressed in a reserve match, are keen to sign the midfielder but it’s understood that he would prefer not to drop down a division.

Ipswich boss Magilton says he is reluctant to let the Corkman go but understands his desire for first team football.

‘‘George is frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities and I can identify with that. I have been there myself as a player and it can be very difficult. He’s 28 (next month) and wants to play football every week.’’

O’ Callaghan, who signed for Ipswich last January after falling out with Cork City boss Damien Richardson, scored once and played 12 times for the Tractor Boys last season, eight of those appearances coming off the bench. But so far this season he has made just one appearance for a club which currently sits second in the table. Said Magilton: “When he has come in he has done a good job for me but we have not been able to find a regular berth for him.”

Nonetheless, the Ipswich boss paid a warm tribute to O’Callaghan.

“He’s a great lad, George. Very popular in the dressing room and I really like him. And while I don’t want to lose him, I do want him to play football so if the right opportunity came in for him and us, I wouldn’t stand in his way.”

Meanwhile, O’Callaghan’s Irish club mate Owen Garvan has reiterated his ambition to play for his country. According to one local paper, the question on the lips of many Portman Road fans is: “when does Garvan get his chance in the green of the Republic of Ireland.”

The 19-year-old midfielder has been in fine form for Ipswich this season but continues to be overlooked both at U21 and senior level for his country.

Said the Dubliner: “I am desperate to play at international level, of course I am. It is a massive ambition of mine and hopefully in a year or so I can do just that.”