Ipswich Town midfielder Cole Skuse has signed a new three-contract at the club.

The 29-year-old, whose current deal was due to expire at the end of this season, is now contracted until the summer of 2018 with the Blues also holding the option of extending that by a further year.

“It was very important that we did that,” said manager Mick McCarthy. “I spoke to him in the summer and just said I could see that his contract was running out, although we would have had an option on him so we could have taken him for another year.

“But if you don’t move and do it it’s a sign that you’re not wanting to do it, I think, and quite clearly we did with Cole because he’s been excellent since he’s been here.

“I think he’s a perfect example to everybody here in the academy building, where we are at the minute, of what they should be aspiring to be as a professional footballer.

“Talk about low maintenance, he’s really very professional and just a lovely guy and a top player he’s been for us. I’m delighted, really thrilled he’s signed.”

Skuse, who joined the Blues on a Bosman free transfer in the summer of 2013 from his hometown side Bristol City, told the club site: “Obviously I’m thrilled to have signed a new contract.

“I knew my contract was up at the end of this season but the gaffer and the owner made it clear they wanted to keep me and I’m delighted it has been sorted and that my future is here for another three years.

“I’ve loved my time here. I never realised what a big club Ipswich is until I came here. The support the club enjoys is fantastic and hopefully we can get where we all want to be, the Premier League.”