IPSWICH TOWN: Blues skipper Jon Walters today whipped up the ante for Sunday’s final game of the season against Sheffield United at Portman Road.

IPSWICH TOWN: Blues skipper Jon Walters today whipped up the ante for Sunday’s final game of the season against Sheffield United at Portman Road.

And in a week when a number of players’ futures are likely to be decided after discussions with manager Roy Keane, Walters was happy to squash rumours that he is looking to leave.

“We’re desperate for a good result against Sheffield United to give our fans something to cheer – and to sign off on a high note,” said Walters.

“If we can beat the Blades it will bode well for next season and will give us momentum going into pre-season training.”

And talking about his own situation with a number of clubs being linked with the 26-year-old, Walters added: “As far as I know I’ll be here next season. This is my plan.

“I think these stories may have started because I’m now renting a house in the town after selling mine. But this is because a proposed purchase broke down.”

David Wright and Shane O’Connor are two players out of contract who would appear to have done enough to earn a new deal, but for the likes of Richard Wright, Liam Trotter, Pim Balkestein, who has the option of another year dependent on appearances, Ed Upson, Ian McLoughlin, Jack Ainsley, Reggie Lambe and Troy Brown the situation is not so clear cut.

Walters has become a vital member of Keane’s side and done much both on and off the field to help the team rise from seven points away from safety to mid-table in the last four months or so.

“We’ll see what numbers turn up next season,” Walters added.

“The signs are good for a better campaign after improving greatly on our dreadful start.

“We’re a lot more solid now and have turned things around.

“There’s no disguising it has been a disappointing season, and we must all take our fair share of blame for this.”

Looking back on Saturday’s positive 2-2 draw at champions Newcastle, Walters paid tribute to Blues fans.

“They were so far up in the air that they could see David Norris’ bald spot.

“They were brilliant again and throughout the din that the home fans were making we could hear them all game.

“We had chances and restricted them but made a mistake to let Newcastle go ahead late on.

“But we kept our shape and got our rewards, and another draw sums up our season.”

n TOWN goalkeeper Brian Murphy has been named in a Republic of Ireland provisional squad for games against Paraguay and Algeria on May 25 and 28. He will attend a training camp from May 16 to 21. The 26-year-old has yet to win a senior cap although he has sat on the bench.

n TOWN have their final reserve game against Northampton at Sixfields this afternoon with a 2pm kick-off.