Town loanee Jonny Williams has outlined his reasons for being keen to extend his initial loan move from Crystal Palace to the end of the season and isn't ruling out a return to Portman Road next season.

The diminutive Welshman said: “Starting games was the main thing for me, as well as playing in a position that I like, which is huge for me. If I could carry on like that, which I have done, I knew I would enjoy my time here and like to stay on.

“I’ve done both things and playing in a team that is pushing for something great really drove me on to stay and hopefully put in some great performances, which I think I have done at times. Now it’s all about looking forward to the remainder of the season.”

Williams’s capture was a smart move by Town boss Mick McCarthy and the Palace youngster has played a major role in the team’s challenge for a play-off place.

Asked if he would be up for another loan switch to Portman Road next season, possibly a season-long move, he responded: “Who knows? I’ve signed a long deal at Palace that keeps me with them for another four years at the end of this season — being an academy player it was nice to sign that — but I’ve really, really enjoyed my time here.

“I’d never experienced another jersey before I pulled on the Ipswich training kit on my first day here. It was a bit weird but now I seem to have grown into it and I feel part of something special.

“Hopefully we can get promoted and then I might be playing against them next season but we’ll just have to wait and see because that’s still a long way off at the moment.”

McCarthy’s decision to hand Williams his preferred role also had a lot to do with him being only too happy to extend his temporary stint until the last kick of the current campaign.

He said: “I’m playing in my ideal position. I’ll play anywhere in the midfield three but preferably not the deep-lying role. I like the freedom to go forward when I need to and when I want to.

“It’s just good to be playing in a central role for a manager who believes in me and plays me there. Sometimes I’ve been stuck out on the wing and haven’t been as effective in games. I don’t mind playing wide if I have the freedom to come inside but I’m definitely enjoying playing central.”

Palace boss Tony Pulis, who has steered Palace to Premier League safety against all the odds, is happy for his rising star to remain with Town for the time being.

Asked if he expected to be recalled before the end of the season, Williams responded: “I have no idea. They have done unbelievably well, to be fair, and they are 10 points clear of relegation, so I don’t imagine they will call me back.

“But who knows? We’ll have to wait and see but I’m really enjoying my time here. With the play-offs within touching distance it’s really exciting.”

Meanwhile, 20-year-old St Johnstone midfielder Wade Joyce was in the Blues U21 side which beat Bournemouth 2-1 on Monday, we understand. Joyce, the son of Manchester United development coach Warren, was previously with Barnsley and Oldham and is out of contract in the summer.

Photo: Action Images

Jaamo11 added 13:28 - Apr 18 It would be amazing if he came back next year
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coolcat added 13:36 - Apr 18 I really liked his attitude from the start. He's really fitted well into the team and has been a great asset to their current performance.
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irishtim added 13:39 - Apr 18 What a great attitude. Would welcome him big time. Hopefully we can go up and maybe buy him.
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oscarwhiting added 13:42 - Apr 18 For a horrible, horrible moment I thought the title sadi "Williams leaves Portman Road" Its OK, my hearts started again.
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bugledog123 added 15:39 - Apr 18 It would be fantastic if we could keep him. I love his attitude and enthusiasm.
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Seasider added 16:19 - Apr 18 Think he has been a good influence on some of the other players especially Hyam Cressie and Murph.Not Skuse though who still seems stuck in the Butch Wilkins style of sideways and backward passing and increasingly getting caught in possesion.
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