Ipswich Town midfielder Luke Hyam knows he is playing for a future at the club he loves.

The injury-hit 26-year-old made his first league start in 20 months on Wednesday night as the Blues lost 1-0 to Championship high-fliers Cardiff City at Portman Road.

“I’m out of contract in the summer and I need to be on the pitch to prove my worth,” said the academy graduate. “I just want to prove myself to myself, to the team, to the fans – everyone.

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“The club have got a (12 month extension) option and I think they need to let me know by some point in May.

“I haven’t spoken to anyone about that yet. I’ve been out for a long period of time so I completely understand that situation. You’d like that security, but football is a very uncertain business.

“I’ll just keep my head down, try my best and see where that takes me. First and foremost I just want to stay fit until the end of the season after all the injuries. It’s just nice to be enjoying my football again and I’m very grateful for that.”

Born and raised in the town, Hyam attended Sidegate Lane Primary School and Northgate High School. He was back at the former yesterday for the announcement of Ipswich Town’s official partnership with the Elena Baltacha Foundation.

“Ipswich is a great club, a great town, all my friends and family are here and I love it here,” said Hyam, who has made 136 appearances for his boyhood club.

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“I’m a massive fan as well as a player. I used to go when I was younger. All my family are fans, a lot of my friends are fans, so it does make it that extra bit special for me playing for the club.

“Without a doubt I want to stay. Ask anyone who supports their local team and is lucky enough to be able to play for them then they’d say they’d want to stay there.

“You just never know what’s around the corner. We’ll see what happens in the next few months.

“I’m playing for my future – whether that’s here or elsewhere. If Ipswich say no then I’ll need to get myself another club.”

Town, who have slipped to 14th in the Championship table after claiming just two wins from their last 11 games, travel to play-off chasing Preston on Saturday.