Ipswich Town boss Paul Jewell has revealed the extent of Michael Chopra's gambling problem after reports of the striker's addiction surfaced this week.

Jewell revealed that Chopra was admitted to Tony Adams's Sporting Chance clinic in October after a stint there when he was a Sunderland player in 2008.

"Michael obviously has a big problem. It's more than a problem, it's an illness, and we knew that when we signed him," Jewell said.

"I would ask people to respect his honesty. He's met it head-on, he's trying his best and he's been as low as he can be. Now he's feeling great about himself as he knows he's got the support of the club and the team.

"I would ask our great supporters to help Michael through this tough, tough time. The more support he gets, the quicker he'll get better."

Chopra moved to Ipswich from Cardiff in June for £1m and has scored five goals in 13 games for the Tractor Boys.