Dr Bryce Vissel, from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney, said he was "excited" by the research.

BBC: Paralysed rats 'learn to walk'

Jones has also been linked with Ipswich and Irish midfielder Owen Garvan and Doncaster and Wales midfielder Brian Stock.

BBC: Cardiff City target Wigan midfielder Ben Watson

Alex Bruce, Owen Garvan and Jonathan Stead are all in talks with other clubs and Keane insists replacements will be on the way.

BBC: Roy Keane eager to plug Ipswich Town gaps

Meanwhile transfer-listed midfielder Owen Garvan could be set to leave Portman Road, after the Irishman was strongly linked to George Burley's Crystal Palace.

BBC: Ipswich Town boss Roy Keane nears transfer breakthrough

But the Canaries hit back on 54 minutes when Ipswich's Owen Garvan deflected in Martin Taylor's header before Jamie Cureton equalised with a deft chip.

BBC: CHOOSE A SPORT

Keane confirmed the club had accepted offers from Leeds United for Bruce, Crystal Palace for Garvan and Blackpool for Stead, but hopes it will give his younger players a chance to shine.

BBC: Roy Keane eager to plug Ipswich Town gaps