Central defender Gareth McAuley says nothing has changed regarding his contract situation. The Northern Irishman’s current terms are up in the summer and, like skipper David Norris, he turned down the new contract which was offered before Christmas.

McAuley says he’s happy with where things are at present and is keen to remain at Portman Road: I’m cool with the situation and nothing has changed recently.

“We have got to ensure that this football club stays in this division next season and I have got to ensure that I perform as well as I can.

“Nothing will probably happen to the end of the season, but being able to stay with a club like this is something worth fighting for.

“Jim Magilton told me when I signed that players don’t want to leave a club like this. And he has proved true to his word.”

The 31-year-old says he’s not looking to do a deal with another club despite having been able to talk to other clubs since January: “I’ve told the lads that are working for me to keep me in the background. I don’t want them to phone me about this, that or the other.

“It’s not what I want — I want to concentrate on my football and doing well, and hopefully things will take care of themselves.”

Photo: Action Images

Garv added 15:30 - Mar 10 Good lad.
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uppersirbob added 15:36 - Mar 10 Hope he signs up along with norris
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itfcst added 15:36 - Mar 10 Stop talking about it then and just concentrate on your football
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itfc1981 added 15:38 - Mar 10 come on Cleggy
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Garv added 15:43 - Mar 10 Keep McAuley and Delaney, sad to say it but let Norris go and put it towards Bullard.
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SouperJim added 15:57 - Mar 10 Clegg out
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Plumbers_Crack added 16:02 - Mar 10 @itfcst Give the guy a break - he's only answering a question. What would your reaction have been if his reply had been "no comment" ?
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DiamondGezzer added 16:24 - Mar 10 Positive comments. Would love to see him signed come summer. Overall, I believe he has been one of the more outstanding players this season.
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cats_whiskers added 16:36 - Mar 10 Norris was virtually invisible on Tuesday and getting booked so late in the game was disgraceful considering it carried a 2 match ban. In my opinion he's never lived up to his price tag and he won't be missed, he's welcome to go elsewhere, he's easily replaceable. McAuley is the only one worth keeping IMO, his partner Delaney gets sucked in at times so he's another who can depart...

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poggie added 16:43 - Mar 10 Sounds like he has his head screwed on, so lets hope it can be sorted. Having seen Norris' performance on tuesday, i can only hope he was not 100% fit, because if he was, then it pains me to say, we probably don't need him (if we can keep Bullard).
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bedsitfc added 17:13 - Mar 10 I think at least 3 of out first team will be going at the end of the season one contract and two sold and 50% of the rest who's contract are up will go and 5 players will come in. Smaller but stronger squad is what we need. Oh and i can't see jimmy going anywhere as he will be damian's assistant captain next year.
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hollywoodginge added 17:40 - Mar 10 I hope he stays, I must say some of the criticism of Norris that I'm reading seems well harsh to me but those giving it are as entitled to their opinion as I am to mine. Hope mac Norris and Delaney all stay.
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jas0999 added 17:46 - Mar 10 Out of all of the players who's deals expire at the end of the season - McAuley would be the one who I'd be disappointed to see leave. There are others who should be offered deals, but if we let Gareth leave, it would cost £3M to get a decent replacement! I simply can't understand why these issues have not been resolved.Surely we are safe? What on earth is Clegg doing? I hope it doesn't happen - but I can see all 21 players leaving and then Clegg 'expressing his surprise' ... before saying Jewell only has 'limited' resources to sign new players, as they were 'banking' on the out of contract players to stay.

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brogansnose added 18:52 - Mar 10 As Jas has said, it would be difficult and expensive to replace McCauley and i hope he stays along with Delaney with whom he has a good partnership even though both have flaws in their play but at this level who is better. Never have rated Norris especially for the amount of hassle and expense we had getting him. Like some others in the team, another midfielder who can't pass the ball, therefore not a footballer. And yes, i'm looking at you Edwards.

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Garv added 18:54 - Mar 10 Stop blaming Clegg because you havnt got the balls to blame the new manager because you'll get slated by everyone else!! ^^
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harlingblue added 18:59 - Mar 10 McAuley has been a consistently good performer during some rather turgid years, he now deserves the chance to be a part of a more entertaining era? Norris, always works hard, but lacks the creative pass...could be easily replaced. Healy imo looks a far better bet and I have been impressed with him having been given a decent chance in the team. Hyam looks a natural, expecting big things from him.

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das_bones added 19:10 - Mar 10 dont go to half as many games as id like to but from wot ive seen keep the two central defenders an get shot of norris!
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reuser added 19:18 - Mar 10 Think it might be best to let Mac and Chuck go. We havnt got promotion with them so maybe it's worth getting some fresh blood in that can take us forward.
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Nazemariner added 19:35 - Mar 10 Both MaCauley and Norris will be offered a contract sometime soon, and rightly so in my opinion. Whether it will be the increase in money that they are both after we'll never know. ITFC should not let players hold them to ransom. Neither are world beaters, and a manager such as Paul Jewell should be well capable of finding players more than good enough to fill there boots. As for Delaney, I would let him go and give Tommy Smith his chance.

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village_blue added 19:49 - Mar 10 Agree with the comments of most people posting we have got to keep McAuley and i would let the headless chicken known as Norris go.although you can't fault Norris's work rate he picks up to many needless bookings as was seen late in the game Tuesday night. Also been well impressed with Healy now that he has finally been given a decent run in the team.
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ElginCityBlue added 19:56 - Mar 10 “We have got to ensure that this football club stays in this division next season" Nice to see he's ruled out promotion. Seriously though, he's been one of the better performers this season and the slump at the beginning of November coincided with Macca getting injured. Hope you stay, Big Man.
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Garv added 19:58 - Mar 10 agree village blue...also I think Delaney is just as valuable to us as Mac.
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big_gaz67 added 21:07 - Mar 10 I think we need to keep at least one of McC and Delaney but not both and have a more 'footballing' centre half to sweep behind the ones that stays. They are both terrific at aerial and block defending but lack pace when attacked on the ground, Mc A often shows the runner his back which is a massive no no!
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elmswellblue added 21:08 - Mar 10 Clegg has got to get McCauley signed up quick, I believe Mac should also be voted player of the year, Before you start shouting about Bullard as your man, think back to when we were so desperate under Keane. One man shone out from the rest and this was not Wickham, Norris or Bullard.
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ForeverTractorBoy added 22:25 - Mar 10 SIGN HIM UP !!!!!!!!!!
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