Serial Blues loanee Jonny Williams has signed a contract extension through to the summer of 2019 with his parent club Crystal Palace.
Williams, 23, whose contract was due to end next summer, spent the whole of 2016/17 with the Blues, his fourth loan at Portman Road, but was restricted to only one start and seven sub appearances by injuries, first to his knee, then his shoulder and finally to a hamstring.
"I am delighted to be signing this new contract at a club that holds a special place in my heart having been here since I joined the academy at the age of eight,” the Wales international told the Palace official website. "I am looking forward to starting my 17th season at the club.
"With the club’s fifth season in the Premier League coming up I will be working hard through pre-season so I am ready for the challenge ahead at the start of another campaign.”
Speaking about Williams towards the end of the season, manager Mick McCarthy played down the chances of him returning to Town in 2017/18.
"I wonder whether he’d want to come here, he’s had nothing but injuries," he reflected.
"He was so fabulous the first time he came here, wonderfully gifted and lit the place up with his ability and his pace and trickery and with the smile on his face as well while doing it.
"I’ll never forget his goal against Derby. He was outstanding but that’s not happened since and we’ve had him on two other occasions, he’s just been injured, which is really sad.
"Sad for us and I guess for the club and the fans because everybody loved him, but even sadder for him that his career’s stalled.
"I don’t think that’s going to be the case. I think it’s a big year for Jonny. He needs to go and play somewhere and play regularly.”
Meanwhile, former Hearts full-back Callum Paterson, who was linked with the Blues in January, has joined Cardiff City on a free transfer, signing a three-year deal.