Adam McDonnell has signed a new contract with Ipswich Town – a deal which runs to the summer of 2018 with an option for a further year.

The Dublin-born midfielder, 19, joined the Blues from Irish side Shelbourne in 2014. He made his senior debut in the Capital One Cup at Doncaster and first Championship appearance at Derby on the final day of 2015/16.

“The last few weeks my agent and the club have been talking but it’s great to finally have it done and signed,” the Irish U19 international told the club site.

Speaking on Saturday, following a 2-1 pre-season win at Shelbourne, McDonnell said his aim for the season is to feature more regularly in the Town first-team.

Manager Mick McCarthy told the club site: “Adam’s progressing all the time. He had a disruptive start to his career, he couldn’t play because of the FIFA regulations that said he couldn’t (play competitively at any level) until he was 18.

“So he was training but he couldn’t play and he got homesick because it affected him. He’s settled down now, though, and I thought he played really well in the Derby game so hopefully he’ll continue to progress so we can see him as a first-team player.”