TOMMY Smith has reiterated that he would love to stay at Ipswich Town beyond the end of this season as he continues to wait on the offer of a new contract.

The 21-year-old centre-back has played an integral part in the Blues recent revival, a vast improvement defensively meaning a previously soft-centred side have now lost just once in eight games.

The New Zealand international is set to be out of contract in the summer though and, desoite new deals being handed to the likes of Luke Hyam, Josh Carson, Ronan Murray and Carlso Edwards in recent weeks, Smith’s future is still uncertain.

“I still haven’t spoken to the club about that yet,” said Smith when asked about his contract. “I’m just concentrating on my football and doing as well as I can for Ipswich.

“I’m settled in the area, Ipswich were my first club, so obviously I’d love to stay – but it’s not down to me.

“The main thing is the team doing well. As long as the team is doing well then I’m happy.”

– For a full Tommy Smith interview, see tomorrow’s EADT.