Hoefkens hopes he hasn't blown chance

Carl Hoefkens

EXCLUSIVE

By Derek Davis

CARL Hoefkens is hoping he has not blown his chance of signing for Ipswich after a training ground mix up.

Ipswich were linked with the 30-year-old free agent again this week but the player admits he has not heard directly from them as yet.

Carl Hoefkens

The Belgian international defender last night revealed he has already been to Portman Road for talks and a trial but has not heard anything since.

Hoefkens said: “I came to Ipswich for a trial three weeks ago but there was a bit of confusion really.

“I thought I was just coming for a day or so to prove my fitness but Ipswich wanted me to stay and train with them. I had already promised to go to Belgium, France, Holland and Germany.”

Hoefkens, who helped West Brom win promotion to the Premier League as champions a year ago, would relish the opportunity to do the same with Town.

He said: “I have always done very well for teams in the Championship.

“Ipswich is a big side in the Championship and Roy Keane is a very ambitious man who wants to take them up.

“I believe they have the ability, facilities and ambition to go up and will be in with a good chance of doing that.

“I'm ready to be involved in a team like that and would like the opportunity to win promotion and be in the Premier League again.”

Although short of match fitness Hoefkens insists he is physically fit although he is training by himself at the moment.

He added: “I know I'm fit and ready. I had a medical in Germany recently and passed with flying colours but the next day the manager left so the move did not go ahead.

“It might take be a game or so to find my touch again but I'm ready for the challenge.”

After playing for Belgian sides Lierse, Lommel, Westerlo and Germinal Beerschot, Hoefkens was brought to England by the then Stoke City boss Johan Boskamp.

He was player of the year at the Britannia Stadium playing mainly as a full back, although he showed his versatility by also operating as a holding midfielder and right winger.

He played for Belgium in the 2008 European Championship in Portugal and has won 22 caps for his country, scoring once.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk