Conor Chaplin's Portsmouth stay thrown into doubt by Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna
Conor Chaplin could still return to Ipswich this month
Conor Chaplin’s Pompey future has been thrown into doubt - just 24 hours after John Mousinho said he expected the IpswichTown loanee to see out his season-long loan at Fratton Park.
Tractor Boys boss Kieran McKenna has admitted no decision has been made regarding the PO4 academy product, who returned to the south coast on the final day of the summer transfer window.
The Northern Irishman also said no formal discussions have taken place on the subject, nor has he spoken to the 28-year-old, which is something he believes would represent the first step in any dialogue on the matter.
Chaplin has featured 19 times for Pompey this season but is yet to replicate the type of form that made him such a fan favourite at Portman Road.
A return to Ipswich was always a possibility this month, with an early recall cause inserted into the loan deal that allowed the Worthing-born ace to head back to Fratton Park for a second spell.
According to McKenna, that clause remains in place until the end of next week, which gives the Tractor Boys a week still to make up their minds on what is best for both them and the player moving forward.
That’s different to the stance Pompey had on Thursday, though, when it was suggested Chaplin would be remaining at the Blues beyond January.
Kieran McKenna has his say on Conor Chaplin
McKenna was asked about Chaplin ahead of their game against Blackpool in the FA Cup.
When asked by the EADT if the player staying at Fratton Park until the end of the season was definite, he responded: ‘No, there's been no formal discussion, certainly nothing I've been part of. The first conversation would be me and Conor.
‘There's another week, I think, (for the recall) clause to run anyway. I've not had any of those conversations with the club here or with Portsmouth or with Conor yet.’
When asked if the possibility of the forward returning to Portman Road this month remained, McKenna added: ‘Yeah, and it's not just my decision. I think it's everyone's decision. And, of course, Conor's part of that as well.
‘That will be resolved before the clause's expiration. That's not until the end of next week, I think.’
What John Mousinho said on Conor Chaplin
Pompey have already seen Minhyeok Yang leave the club this month, with the South Korea international returning to parent club Spurs, before sealing a loan move to Coventry City.
Given current injuries to Callum Lang and Josh Murphy, the Blues would loath to loose another attacking player this month - despite Chaplin’s form.
And there appeared good news on that front on Thursday, when Moushino added talks with Ipswich on Sunday - following the cancellation of the game between both clubs - had been constructive.
He told The News: ‘Conor is likely to stay.
‘We had a brief conversation with Ipswich on Sunday, and the intention is for him to stay for the season.
‘You never know, but the difference with Conor compared to Minhyeok (Yang) is Spurs can recall him and send him back out again, whereas if Conor’s recalled he can only play for Ipswich because he’s already played for them this season. That puts us in a stronger position.
‘I haven’t spoken to him about a recall, but there’s loads to come from Chappers.
‘He’s given us a huge amount, in terms of what he’s done as a leader.
‘He’s come in and grown into his role over the past five or six weeks, now there’s that big part of his offensive game we think we can really build on.
‘He’s really good at dropping deep, building play and he’s really good with the press. Now adding goals and assists to his game will take it to the next level for us.’