Ward focused on Pompey

Joel Ward: Portsmouth youngster wants to focus on life at Fratton Park and not Ipswich Town

Joel Ward wants to focus on Portsmouth's battle to stay in the Championship following his recent talks over a loan move to Ipswich Town.

The 22-year-old, who can play in defence or midfield, met Ipswich before last week's loan deadline regarding a possible temporary switch to Portman Road as Pompey sought to raise funds.

However, administration-hit Portsmouth were able to ease their financial problems by offloading several other players and Ward ultimately stayed at Fratton Park.

Ward does not want to discuss how close he came to joining Ipswich and is instead solely interested in preventing Portsmouth from slipping into League One.

"I don't really want to focus on that," Ward told The News regarding Ipswich's interest. "I'm here to play my football for Portsmouth and that's where I want to be.

"I am going to continue to give everything I've got.

"My focus is on trying to keep the club in this league. I just want to focus on the football, help the club out and keep pushing forward."