ANDY Drury believes last night’s 1-1 draw with fourth place Birmingham City is further evidence of an Ipswich promotion push next season.

It might have only been a point, but Town produced one of their best performances in the season, combining passion and verve to dominate a side destined for the play-offs.

And Drury, a star turn in the heart of the Super Blues’ midfield, believes it will be Ipswich preparing for an assault on the Premier League in 12 months time.

He said: “They are fourth in the league and we just battered them for next season.

“I think that was one of our best performances of the season. It was a good performance from everyone, we dominated the game from start to finish and we were desperately unlucky not to win.

“Hopefully we can build on it, keep the squad together, get a couple of signings in the summer and then be at the top end of the table next year.”

Town dominated from start to finish but found themselves behind at the break, Birmingham scoring with their one and only chance of the first 45 minutes through Chris Burke.

But the Blues turned the screw after the interval and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas came off the bench to grab a well-deserved equaliser in the 74th minute.

And speaking just hours after manager Paul Jewell met with Marcus Evans to discuss new contracts for Jason Scotland, Tommy Smith and Grant Leadbitter among others, Drury is keeping his fingers crossed that deals can be reached.

He said: “Grant Leadbitter has been brilliant for us lately and Jason Scotland is a good player too. I hope they stay but it is something for them and the management to sort out.”