Stephen Hunt has reiterated his desire to remain an Ipswich player beyond his present agreement, which is due to expire at the end of the season.

The Republic of Ireland winger said: “I like it here and I’ve said it several times already. I feel comfortable playing here so hopefully we can get something sorted before the end of the season.

“The manager has played me and he’s been happy with me. Obviously, if we were to get into the play-offs, there would be an awful lot more happy faces around the place.

“I wouldn’t exactly say I’m fighting for my future but I’m happy with what I’ve done so far and I’m looking to crack on and do even better through to the end of the season.

“The next few weeks are vitally important and we just need to concentrate on the team and the games we have left. But you can trust me and take my word for it — I’m happy here and we’ll go from there.”

Asked whether he and manager Mick McCarthy had already discussed the possibility of a new deal, the Irishman remained tight-lipped, while the Blues boss said on Thursday that decisions regarding out of contract players such as Hunt won't be made until after the season's end.

Hunt initially joined Town in November on a short-term basis and his performances led McCarthy to extend his stay until the end of the current campaign.

Last summer, when he was out of contract after his deal at Wolves had expired following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with injury, he admits that perhaps he should have handled the situation differently.

Hunt, who trained with Blackpool but knocked back their offer, added: “It was partly my fault and partly my agent’s fault because he should have told me to deal when I turned down contracts.

“I could have gone to France, although what I’d have been like with the language I don’t know. Valenciennes, who are currently third bottom of the French league, wanted me to sign.

“I turned them down but things have worked out okay. I’m more than happy where I am now and obviously, if I’d taken another offer, I wouldn’t have become an Ipswich player. Maybe there’s no point in looking back and instead concentrate on the present and future.”

Photo: Action Images

howdonblue added 06:45 - Mar 22 Yes pleas hunty
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jas0999 added 09:41 - Mar 22 I like Hunt. Good player, but guess it will depend on his wage demands. Mick may have to free up some wages in order to sign other players in the summer.
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Jimmy86 added 10:34 - Mar 22 Seems to be a popular character at the club and has the passion, desire and drive to still be a success at town. If he could add a few goals he would be a top notch player at this level, coz his work rate is second to none. Come on mick get it sorted
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TimmyH added 11:39 - Mar 22 mmm...bit mixed feelings about him, he hasn't done a bad job in the games he's played in but he'll be 33 if we do decide to to get him on a full contract. I feel the best alternative is to get him on a season long loan.
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NoCanariesAllowed added 11:53 - Mar 22 I'd keep him. Not someone you'd use for 90mins every week but I've liked his effort when I've seen him come on as a sub. Is Ebanks-Blake's deal still set to run out in the summer too? Would be surprised and disappointed if he wasn't kept on to have a crack once properly fit.
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Seasider added 12:08 - Mar 22 TimmyH.He is our player and out of contract at end if season,so how can you get him on a loan.Please read the above article.
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bluemagic74 added 12:50 - Mar 22 Hunt is a very good player always works hard I like him and hope mm signs him think where silly if we dnt
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TimmyH added 13:19 - Mar 22 apologies...maybe a short term contract then and see how he gets on, some reason I though he was on loan til' the end of season. Have to say prefer him to Anderson on the left.
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theblueginger added 13:27 - Mar 22 I must say i had my doubts when he first joined, but he is making a positive difference o the pitch, and more than likely off it as well. It will depend on his demands, but i would be more than happy for him to stay another season at least.
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