Kalvin Phillips is coming to the end of his loan spell from Manchester City. (Image: PA)
Kalvin Phillips is coming to the end of his loan spell from Manchester City. (Image: PA)
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna hasn't ruled out Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips returning to the club next season.
A series of injury set-backs have restricted the 31-cap England international to 14 Premier League starts over a stop-start campaign.
The 29-year-old, who is unlikely to feature over the final two matches due to an Achilles issue, will return to the Etihad with three years left on his contract to run.
"He arrived having not played much football for a couple of seasons. Obviously, if he had, he probably wouldn't have been at Ipswich this season," said McKenna.
"The first thing to say is he's been a good person in the group.
"He had a fairly stable run of games at the start of the season while he was still working back to get to his best form. I feel that we had a period, Christmas and just afterward, where he was playing really well and really getting to a good level where he was really helping the team.
"The Tottenham game probably typified that. In the first 60 minutes of that game he was outstanding, definitely one of the best players in the pitch.
"In training and on match days he was getting to a good, consistent level. He got a big gash in his foot though that required a lot of stitches and some time off his feet.
"We managed to get him back in the squad against Bournemouth and Wolves, but he probably hasn't been fully fit or had a really good training base behind him for several weeks. Now he's got a little problem with his Achilles.
"He's not going to be available this weekend and it's unlikely we can get him on the pitch before the end of the season.
"It's been frustrating for him and for us. Because a really fully fit and confident Kalvin would been a real addition to us.
"But, as I say, he's been a really good person around the group.
"I'm sure there'll be bits from the season, like all the other players, that he'll take from. Hopefully he can have a good season next year."
Asked if there was a chance the former Leeds man could return to Portman Road next season, following the Blues' relegation to the Championship, the Blues boss said: "Yeah, look, it's not something we've spoke about or looked at too much, in that position, yet, to be honest.
"I think everyone's focus, certainly mine and in and around the training group, has been around the games remaining. That's where everything is.
"I've had very few conversations with many of the players about next year. Those conversations will take place maybe a little bit next week, certainly the few days after the season finishes. We'll see what comes."