Paul Lambert says he intends to talk to James Collins in the next few weeks about the defender's future at Portman Road.

Collins has made four appearances for the Tractor Boys since joining on a short term deal until the end of the season in January, after a spell training with former club Aston Villa failing to materialise into an extended stay at Villa Park following his departure from West Ham at the end of last season.

Though injury has again dogged the 35-year-old during his brief time at Portman Road, Lambert is full of praise for the Welshman since he arrived at the club, and confirmed his intention to discuss the defender's future in his pre match press conference ahead of the visit of Hull on Saturday.

The verdict

With Ipswich looking certain for relegation to League One at the end of the season, extending his spell at Portman Road may not be such a bad thing for Collins.

The centre back may no longer have the legs to compete at the very top, but in the more physical environment of League One football, Collins strength and own physicality means he can still be a valuable asset.