ROSS IN RUNNING TO TAKE IPSWICH REINS...

JACK Ross is in the frame to become Mick McCarthy’s successor at Ipswich.

The 41-year-old St Mirren boss has reportedly held talks with the Tractor Boys, who have been granted permission to speak to him.

However, the likes of former England midfielder Scott Parker, former Ipswich fan favourite Shefki Kuqi and Shrewsbury manager Paul Hurst are also believed to be candidates for the position.

Ross successfully guided the Buddies to the Scottish Championship title and promotion to the top flight this season and beat Celtic chief Brendan Rodgers to the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year gong.

The St Mirren boss was also interviewed by Barnsley in February.

McCarthy, who quit as Ipswich boss in April after more than five years at the helm, is thought to want to remain in management in England, having been linked with South African outfit Kaiser Chiefs.

Meanwhile, long-serving midfielder Luke Hyam admits that he faces a daunting new chapter after Ipswich confirmed they wouldn’t be extending his deal at Portman Road.

The 26-year-old, who made 146 appearances for the Tractor Boys, has been with the club since he was a child but will be a free agent this summer.

“It’s a bit surreal at the moment. I’ve been to the training ground and the club to say goodbye to the staff. It’s not really sinking in,” he said.

“I’ve been here since the age of 11 and the club has been a big part of my life and I have so many great memories.

“It’s an uncertain time for me at the moment. It’s the first time I’ve been in this situation but it’s an exciting time as well.

“It might be the right thing for me as well, with the age that I’m at now, to have a new challenge.”