Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna issues transfer revelation involving Sheffield United | OneFootball

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has discussed Chiedozie Ogbene's future ahead of the Tractor Boys' Championship clash with Sheffield United.

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has provided an update on Chiedozie Ogbene's future ahead of the Tractor Boys' Championship clash with Sheffield United.

The former Luton Town man has made 10 Championship appearances for the Blades while on loan from Ipswich this term, notching one assist in the process, having spent time out on the sidelines through injury.

Saturday's second-tier clash between Ogbene's loan club and his parent club hands McKenna an opportunity to catch up with the 28-year-old, with the Republic of Ireland international unable to play against his parent club.

Sheffield United are closer to the relegation zone than the play-offs this term, whereas the Tractor Boys have established themselves as serious automatic promotion candidates.

Kieran McKenna reveals whether Ipswich Town have communicated with Sheffield United about Chiedozie Ogbene

Ogbene suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Ireland in the November international break, but he was back in the Blades' matchday squad for Wednesday's 1-0 defeat at Southampton.

However, the ex-Rotherham United forward will be unable to represent Chris Wilder's side against his parent club this Saturday.

Meanwhile, when asked if Ipswich had spoken to the South Yorkshire outfit about a potential termination of Ogbene's loan during the January window, McKenna told the East Anglian Daily Times: "No, that's not been communicated at all.

"He was unlucky with his injury on international duty because he went out, and he was getting games like we wanted him to get, and he wanted to get. That was important for him.

"He was growing into the season and building up form and did well for Ireland. And then it was unfortunate to pick up the hamstring injury. But he's back now, and hopefully we get to catch up with him on Saturday."

The Blades can make a major statement and restore their play-off hopes by defeating the Tractor Boys, whereas McKenna's men are vying to bolster their automatic promotion credentials.

Chiedozie Ogbene could be best served by staying at Sheffield United

Ipswich must continue strengthening their squad as they look to beat at least one of Coventry City or Middlesbrough to an automatic promotion spot, and they've done so in a big way this week already.

However, recalling Ogbene from the Blades may not be the best option for the Ireland international, who is more likely to enjoy game time at Bramall Lane than at Portman Road.

McKenna can call upon the services of fellow right-wingers Wes Burns, Sindre Walle Egeli, and Kasey McAteer, while the Tractor Boys further bolstered their wide options with the addition of Anis Mehmeti, who can play on the wing as well as in an attacking midfield role, from Bristol City.

Contrastingly, if Ogbene can hit strong form, he appears capable of beating either Tahith Chong or Andre Brooks to a place in Wilder's starting lineup.

Sheffield United must focus on dragging themselves further clear of the Championship relegation zone for now, but Ogbene's previous exploits for his former clubs Luton and Rotherham suggest that he can help fire the Blades towards the play-off places at the business end of the season.

Beyond their meeting with the Tractor Boys, the Bramall Lane side are preparing for upcoming clashes with play-off contenders Millwall, relegation battlers Oxford United, and promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough.