Reggie Lambe will sign his first professional contract with Ipswich Town when he returns to Portman Road for pre-season training next week.

Lambe has vowed to force his way into the Tractor Boys' first team and impress new manager Roy Keane who he sought permission from to play for Bermuda under-23s against Crystal Palace Baltimore at the weekend.

The 18-year-old was initially offered at least a one-year deal by former Ipswich boss Jim Magilton in April, but said the terms of his contract were still undetermined.

"I've not signed the contract yet but I will do when I return to the England for pre-season training," said midfielder Lambe.

"We still need to discuss how long the contract will be and my salary. It's good that we've got a new manager and he knows how to take care of his players.

"I did speak to him and he told me I was okay to play for Bermuda under-23s as long as I'd had ten days rest.

"He has made sure we all have fitness programmes to follow over the summer to make sure we don't go back to the club unfit."

Lambe believed his individual display in the under-23s' 1-0 defeat against Palace at BFA Field on Saturday had fallen below his own high standards.

"I thought the team played well although at times we were too timid and too eager to get rid of the ball in tight situations rather than keep our calm and play the ball out," he said.

"The goal they scored was my fault as I lost the ball and I'm very disappointed about that."

Former Manchester United legend Keane took over at Ipswich earlier this year and Lambe said he felt extra motivated to impress a coach with such an esteemed reputation in the game.

"Roy Keane was a great player and is a top coach," he said.

"He certainly motivates you to want to keep on improving and hopefully he'll give the young players a chance."

The former Dandy Town and Academy youngster was offered a contract on the recommendation of Ipswich's under-18 squad coaches.

He enjoyed an outstanding season at both the youth and reserve levels for Ipswich last term and joined the club as an academy scholar two years ago after being spotted by their scouts while playing for Bermuda's youth team in Holland.

Bermuda under-23s are next in action against Pittsburgh Riverhounds at BFA Field on Saturday July 5.

n Tyrell Burgess made his fourth appearance of the season as a second half substitute in Vancouver Whitecaps' 2-1 defeat at Montreal Impact on Saturday.