IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell has confirmed that he will spend the next couple of weeks sorting out the complex contract situation at Portman Road.

With the international break kicking in, Jewell will be using the time to offer new deals to the likes of David Norris, Gareth McAuley and Damien Delaney while giving some not such news to others among the 21 out of contract in the summer.

“Yes, I will be majoring on the contract situation over the next few days,” said Jewell. “There is a lot going on in the background.”

Jewell had six international players on his bench for Saturday’s 2-0 Championship win over relegation-bound Scunthorpe, and ironically it was the one exception Andy Drury who he brought on to replace debut-making Josh Carson after 70 minutes.

Drury was still playing non-league football two months ago while Tamas Priskin, Marton Fulop, Darren O’Dea, Jason Scotland, Jaime Peters and Colin Healy are or have been regular senior internationals.

This indicates that there could be a major clear-out in the summer as Jewell turns his squad into one he believes can make an impact in 2011/12.

There might not be a lot to play for in the remaining eight league games, but some of his players will be playing for their futures while a good set of results could have a big bearing on season ticket sales and how much cash Jewell will have at his disposal.

Scunthorpe United caretaker-boss Tony Daws gave proof of how much difference a top class striker makes to any team.

“We lost Gary Hooper to Celtic and also Paul Hayes from last season and it is not easy to do well without proven goalscorers,” said Daws.

“Gary would have scored 20 to 25 goals for us and that would have made a big difference”

WHO should definitely stay at Portman Road next season? have you say - e-mail starsport@eveningstar.co.uk.