LEE Martin has admitted the uncertainty surrounding his Ipswich future has been a “hindrance”.

The Blues winger is just days away from being able to discuss a summer transfer away from Portman Road and become the latest big-money signing in recent years to leave Ipswich on a free.

No clearer to knowing where he will ply his trade next season, Martin admitted that he is doing all he can to convince Mick McCarthy he is worth a new deal.

The 25-year-old certainly did that in the Boxing Day win at Charlton where he had a hand in both Town’s goals and also won – and gave away – a penalty during a personally eventful 2-1 win.

He said: “The contract, and where you are going to be, obviously looms over you and sometimes it can be a hindrance.

“But I am trying my hardest and just concentrating on the football.

“Not knowing your future is tricky. At the end of the day, it is down to me to keep working hard.

“Whether or not my form has been exceptional I don’t know, but I am trying my hardest.”

In Martin’s favour could be McCarthy’s renowned love of wide players and he has certainly impressed under the new boss, who still might look to bring in another winger in the January transfer window.

The one thing missing from his game has been goals with Martin drawing a blank in each of his 25 games this season.

He admitted: “I’d like to score a few more. I keep getting shots on target but they are not going in.

“The gaffer likes wingers in his team and he has been brilliant with me in training.

“I can play different roles. I have been tucking in at times to let Cressie (Aaron Cresswell) get on the outside, but I can also hang out wide and get at the full-back.

“Despite the uncertainty, I’m enjoying it and that is the main thing.”