Ipswich Town midfielder Massimo Luongo says he's happy for contract talks to wait.

The Australian joined the Blues on a free transfer from Middlesbrough almost a year ago to the day and he has proved a revelation. Town's record with him as a starter reads an incredible W24 D8 L2.

After initially penning a six-month deal, he extended that by a further year last summer. Asked if discussions over fresh terms had begun, the 31-year-old replied: “It has been mentioned, nothing official, but I’ve got plenty of time.

“A week ago I was going to the Asian Cup (before announcing his international retirement), so things can change quite quickly in football."

Reflecting on the last 12 months, which has seen him play a key role in a side pushing for back-to-back promotions to the Premier League, Luongo said: “It's been brilliant, one of the favourite years of my career.

“For me, personally, it has been a great contrast from 2022, like night and day. It's not just been about winning promotion, playing well and winning games, but also being part of a tremendous group of players, enjoying my football and being happy.

"I never got injured at QPR, then I went to Sheffield Wednesday (and subsequently Middlesbrough) and I was away from my family. Was I truly happy up there? Probably not, and that was probably reflected in my injury record. 

“Now the kids are happy, my wife is happy, it’s all good. Physically and mentally, I think it’s all come together at a good time.”

Asked if he could see himself settling in Suffolk long-term, Luongo replied: “Maybe. To be fair, I’m doing my coaching badges this year and the plan has always been to settle somewhere and coach.

“In the back of my head, I used to think QPR might be the one, or maybe Bromley, where I’m living, but Ipswich could definitely be on that list. I think I need another year, or another couple of years, before I can mix it, but the plan could be that.”

Christian Walton, Vaclav Hladky, Cameron Burgess, Janoi Donacien, Axel Tuanzebe, Lee Evans, Dominic Ball, Sone Aluko and Kayden Jackson are all due to be out of contract at Portman Road at the end of this season, though the club do have the option to extend the deals of Walton and Burgess by a further 12 months.

"All these discussions are not at the forefront of my mind," said Blues boss Kieran McKenna last week. "They'll be for once we get through this period and be also partly for (chief executive) Mark (Ashton) and the club to discuss with the players' representatives."