KEY midfielder Gavin Williams wants to commit himself to Ipswich for the next five years.The 27-year-old former Welsh international came through his first pre-season match on Friday night with no ill-effects.

By Elvin King

KEY midfielder Gavin Williams wants to commit himself to Ipswich for the next five years.

The 27-year-old former Welsh international came through his first pre-season match on Friday night with no ill-effects.

Williams caught the eye in the 6-1 win over Ryman League Division One North Bury Town at Ram Meadow confirming that he felt no pain from a long-standing pelvic problem.

And he said: “I am confident I can play 40 games this season.

“I made over 30 appearances last season despite having a niggling injury, and fully fit I can perform better this campaign.”

And looking further ahead Williams said: “I have always maintained that I am happy at Ipswich, and I want to get fully match fit and then sit down and discuss signing a new contract.

“My current one runs out in 2009 and I would be delighted if I could extend it to say 2012.”

Williams sprayed the ball about before being replaced after 57 minutes, and he confirmed that he was playing pain free.

He has undergone intensive treatment since the end of last season including sessions in Denmark with specialist Per Holmich.

“It has been very frustrating,” said Williams. “I was happy with what I achieved last season in the circumstances, but I know I can do better.

“I need to play as when I am not I sometimes may have too much time on my hands.”

Williams has found himself in spots of bother occasionally as his playful nature has got the better off him.

But there is no doubting his footballing prowess, and the hard work he has put in over the last few months appears to have paid off.

With manager Jim Magilton absent on Friday night, coach Bryan Klug was in charge of the team, and he said: “It was a good work-out with Gavin Williams getting in a welcome game and Owen Garvan getting through 76 minutes despite a hip knock.

“George O'Callaghan was tried in a new wide role on the left that worked well.”

Ipswich picked up Ian Miller after he impressed for Bury in the corresponding game last year, but Klug said: “Bury have some good players and promising youngsters, but we did not spot an Ian Miller this time.”