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Stevenson Already Looking to Extend Stay - Ipswich Town News

Ryan Stevenson has only been at Ipswich for just over five weeks but is already hoping to stay beyond the end of next season, when his 18-month contract expires.

The former Hearts player, who was called into the Scotland squad in November last year but is still waiting to earn his first cap, is convinced he made the right move to further his career.

He may only have made two brief substitute appearances to date but the one-time Chelsea youngster said: "I always felt that of the options I had this was the best one.

"Maybe they weren’t doing very well when I joined in January but you look at the squad, the players, the surroundings — it’s got everything going for it — and with the manager and the backroom staff they were never going to be in that situation for long.

"I was always confident things would improve and after we recently beat West Ham, who were on top of the Championship at the time, the other night we brought back a point from Southampton and they are the current leaders.

"The most pleasing thing is that we went a goal down late in the game but still got one back to earn a point. The manager said that earlier on in the season the team might have crumbled and got nothing from the game. These are all good positives and hopefully we can carry it on through to the end of the season.”

When the current campaign is concluded, Stevenson revealed, he may have talks with boss Paul Jewell to see if Ipswich want to exercise their right to extend his present deal.

Stevenson added: "I have spoken to the manager on and off. It is up to the club whether or not they want to sort something out but from my point of view I am very happy. It’s a great club and a lovely part of the country. The fans have been very welcoming as well.”

When it comes to his best position, however, Stevenson admitted: "I’m still trying to work it out and I’m 27. When the manager put me on at Southampton on Tuesday and told me to play in the centre of midfield it was the first time in two and a half to three years — since I signed for Hearts — that I had played there.

"I like central midfield, being in the thick of things, but I ended up spending most of my time with Hearts as a striker. I’m the type who would play anywhere, even in goal, if it meant I was playing on a Saturday.”

Photo: Action Images

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