Tommy Smith is looking forward to his summer break but admits the thought of returning for a brand new campaign already fills him with excitement.
Smith said: "If we can keep this group of players, make a couple of the loan signings permanent, it keeps the continuity in the squad. There’s no reason why we can’t push on. I’m not saying we’ll get promoted but there’s no reason why we can’t be up there pushing for the play-off places.”
The academy graduate played in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and, last year, the Olympics — but once Town complete their Championship programme at Burnley next weekend he will have a quiet summer before reporting back for pre-season training in July.
He added: "There are no international games over the summer. It will be my first proper break in a couple of years, which will be nice. I will come back raring to go for next season. I feel okay physically but the mental break will be the main thing. But I’m not ready to think about holidays yet. We have two games left and six points to play for.
"Playing for New Zealand all adds to the experience. It means playing different styles of football and that educates you in different ways. I really enjoy my time with New Zealand and hope it will carry on for a while yet.”
Smith’s progress in recent months has even led manager Mick McCarthy to speculate that Premier League clubs could be seeking to secure his services for next season.
But the player said: "If there are rumours there are rumours but as far as I am concerned I am contracted to Ipswich Town and I’ll just carry on doing my best for the club. The priority at the moment is to help get us as far up the table as possible.”