Ipswich's Scott Loach aims for John Ruddy path to England team

Ipswich keeper Scott Loach hopes to follow the lead of Norwich's John Ruddy as he looks to re-establish his own England credentials.

Ruddy won his first international cap in the 2-1 friendly win over Italy at Wembley earlier this month.

And 24-year-old Loach, who joined Ipswich from Watford, told BBC Radio Suffolk: "I want to do what he did.

"I want to get Ipswich promoted and then play in the Premier League. Then you've got every chance."

Loach was a regular for England's Under-21 team and had a taste of senior international football when he was called into the squad by then manager Fabio Capello for games against Hungary, Bulgaria and Switzerland in 2010.

He has made no secret of his international ambitions but accepts that with Joe Hart firmly established as England's regular number one, Ruddy already in the squad and other good young keepers around, he will need to be patient.

"Obviously Jack Butland's there and you've got a few in our league like Jason Steele (of Middlesbrough) and Alec Smith, who's at Huddersfield.

"People talk about English keepers being rare but I think people will see this season in the Championship that there's some good goalkeepers out there - (David) Stockdale was here last year and he'll be chomping at the bit as well," he said.

"That's not my priority at the moment, if I put the performances in for Town, play well and hopefully get us to where we belong, then that's just an added bonus."

Loach lived in Ipswich as a child and believes his return to Suffolk will give his career - and his international prospects - a fresh start after six years with Watford.

"Whether I'm third or fourth choice, or just get in the (England) squad every now and again, I'll never give up on it.

"I'll keep challenging for that place, keep putting my name forward until I retire," he added.