DARYL Murphy would take a pay-cut to join Ipswich Town permanently, after revealing his time is up at Celtic.

The striker’s contract with the Scottish giants expires in the summer and just 23 appearances in almost three years have prompted the 29-year-old to seek pastures new.

In his third loan spell with Town, Murphy would favour a permanent move to Suffolk, but insists talks won’t be held until Ipswich’s Championship status is secured.

“I would definitely like to stay and I have been here so long now that I feel part of the furniture,” said the former Sunderland man.

“I took a hit (wage cut) when I signed for Celtic because I wanted to play football and I would do it again. If that hadn’t been the case, I would have still been at Sunderland picking my money up as I had two years left there.”

Murphy has made 66 appearances for the Blues during two loan spells, since his move to Celtic, and has settled with his family in Suffolk, as well as becoming an important member of Mick McCarthy’s squad.

“I made my mind up probably about a year ago that I was going to leave when my contract was up, so I will be a free agent come June,” said the 29-year-old.

“It’s important that I am settled and you get the best out of players when that is the case.

“I have moved around quite a lot and it’s not nice for my wife or my kids and such things as changing schools upsets them.

“I don’t think people realise how important that is when you are looking towards your future.”