Transfer deadline day was a frustrating one for Ipswich as they saw one of their first team players depart and were unable to find a suitable replacement.

Whilst Ryan Tunnicliffe did a decent job for the Tractor Boys, it was surprising to see the on loan midfielder snatched up by a Premier League side.

The Manchester United youngster established himself as a first team regular in the Ipswich team but he did not look like a player capable of playing at Premier League level right now. It can be safely assumed that Fulham signed Tunnicliffe because they believe he has a lot of potential rather than thinking he can help them stay up this season.

There was some hope on deadline day that Ipswich would be able to replace Tunnicliffe with a new loan signing in the form of Leeds midfielder Paul Green but Mick McCarthy pulled the plug on the deal due to a wage dispute. It appears that Leeds were not willing to let Green go unless Ipswich paid a large portion of his wages.

I don't think it would be fair to slate the Yorkshire side for that decision as they are fully entitled to set their own price and essentially would be losing some squad depth by loaning the player out.

The loan window will reopen over the weekend and it seems likely that McCarthy will try to bring in a player on loan as soon as possible. I would not rule out the Suffolk side making another offer for Green but it is more likely that they will find another target after being dissatisfied with Leeds' initial pricing.

The main factor to remember is that Tunnicliffe was a replaceable member of the Ipswich team and his absence brings about an opportunity for others to shine.

Anthony Wordsworth has had a frustrating time with the Tractor Boys but could well get his chance after seeing Tunnicliffe depart.

Jay Tabb is another player who could easily establish himself as a first team regular now and whilst the former Reading man has had his critics he has also recently shown a good range of passing and a very impressive work rate.

Obviously Ipswich will need another loan signing even if their squad players do step up their game. McCarthy would be playing a dangerous game if he leaves the midfield severely lacking strength in numbers. Ipswich have already been lucky that recent injuries to Luke Hyam and Cole Skuse were only minor knocks.

It will be interesting to see who the Tractor Boys manage to bring in to strengthen their midfield in the coming weeks though. We already know the club are not prepared to contribute much towards the players wages so that would rule out a lot of experienced players who are sitting in Premier League reserve teams.

The best option Ipswich can hope for is probably a Championship teams reserve player or a unproven youngster from a Premier League side. McCarthy has said on many occasions that he would not bring in a player unless that player was capable of challenging for a first team place, so fans will be waiting eagerly for the loan window to reopen.