KIERON Dyer has called for Ipswich Town to get key players on new contracts for next season.

The 32-year-old, who is on loan from West Ham until April 9, is set to be involved in this afternoon’s Championship game against Scunthorpe United at Portman Road (kick-off 3pm).

The club he joined as a schoolboy and left in July 1999 for �6million to join Newcastle before moving onto the Hammers has 21 players out of contract on June 30.

These include skipper David Norris, Gareth McAuley, Damien Delaney and Carlos Edwards, and Dyer who admits that he still has blue in his blood, said:

“The new manager and staff have got to get certain players under new contracts.

“From what I have experienced since I arrived on loan they have a great base on which to push for a Premier League place next season.

“Ipswich have under achieved massively and with what they have got and what I have seen on the pitch they are a side that should be in the play-offs.

“A win at Cardiff and a draw at Leeds United show what they are capable of.

“Talk of perhaps some players not getting on with the former manager does not hold water with me as on the pitch you should always give 110%.”

Dyer was warned by Craig Bellamy that returning to the Championship would be a wake-up call.

“Craig said from his experience with Cardiff City that the ball will be in the air a lot,” added Dyer.

“At Leeds on a difficult pitch I was looking up all the while.

“But on a good surface like we have at Portman Road we should be able to pass the ball around. With the likes of Jimmy Bullard, Grant Leadbitter, who have played in the Premier League we should be in good stead.”

Carlos Edwards is looking forward to playing at home again – after admitting that he was lost for words after the home loss to Reading on Tuesday.

“For the first time in my life almost I struggled for words to try and explain what happened,” said Edwards.

“I don’t know why, but we are playing better away from home at the moment.

“Normally I look forward to home games – and I want to again.

“They give you an extra buzz with a chance to impress your fans and to give them something to remember and get their money’s worth.

“We have been on a roller coaster and now it’s time to ride high at home as well as away.”

WHICH out of contract Town players would you like to see at Portman Road next season? Let us know – e-mail starsport@eveningstar.co.uk