Central defender Tommy Smith has signed a new contract aimed at keeping him at Portman Road until 2012. Smith, 18, has spent much of the season out of action with a broken ankle.

The former England U17 international told the club site: "It's a great confidence booster for me. It shows I'm in the manager and the club's plans for the future.

"I've had a good few weeks because I'm making progress from my injury and the new contract adds to it.

"I'm doing deep water running in the pool at the moment and I hope to be back jogging in the next couple of weeks and will then take it from there.

"Hopefully, I will be back in time to perhaps play a few reserve team games before the end of the season, as long as there are no setbacks.

"The manager, staff and players have really helped me and told me to keep my spirits up and I want to come back fitter and stronger than before.

"It was fantastic to be involved with the senior team this season and that is the challenge for me, to force my way into the side as soon as I'm back to full fitness.

Smith made his first team debut on the opening day of the season, but injured his ankle in training shortly afterwards.

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