LEE Martin says he is more motivated than ever to try and earn a new contract at Ipswich Town.

The 26-year-old is now in the final few months of his four-year deal at Portman Road and is able to talk to other clubs about the possibility of a free transfer switch in the summer.

The Blues winger says he has no intentions of following the likes of David Norris, Gareth McAuley and Grant Leadbitter out of the door in a Bosman move though.

Having voiced his frustration at a lack of negotiations over a new deal at the start of the season, Martin understands why new boss Mick McCarthy has put all contract talks on hold while the club battles to stay in the Championship.

And he hopes he will have done enough to still be part of the Blues bosses’ revolution come the summer.

“I’ve always said I want to stay and that is the case more than ever now under the gaffer and TC (Terry Connor)

“The manager will get it right – there’s no two ways about it. He’ll get the players in and he’ll get us going. What he’s done since he’s come in has been brilliant.

“If he gets the money to spend in the summer I’m sure he’ll have us up there next season and I want to be part of that.”

Martin – who is yet to score this season and been criticised by a section of supporters for a lack of end product – added: “It’s doesn’t help not knowing about your future, but I can understand why the manager now wants to look at contracts at the season of the season. There are bigger issues to worry about than contracts at the moment.”

He added: “What you see is what you get with the gaffer. He won’t shy away from a few harsh words and that’s the way to be. He’s honest and that’s good for everyone.

“Not everyone might agree with the way we’ve gone about things, but the points we’ve picked up under him would have us in the top two over the course of a season. And as we’ve seen it only takes a couple of wins to move up the table.

“I’m convinced he’ll get the right players in over the summer and get us going.”

– Mick McCarthy is due to speak to the press at 1.30pm today ahead of his side’s home game against Leicester City. Keep an eye on this website for all the latest Blues news.