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.”

Photo: Action Images

bluefeast added 07:58 - Apr 27 No doubt clubs are sniffing around ,chambers , smith ,cresswell ,hyam.
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BotesdaleBlue added 08:05 - Apr 27 Smith is currently contracted for one year with the option of a further year. Providied he keeps up the progress he has made, which I expect him to do, the club should get that contract extension sorted early on in the season. Actually I would be in favour of giving him a new three year deal to provide Town with some additional protection in terms of any potential future transfer fee, given that he is a very level headed, reliable and hardworking player who can help bring stability and progress to our club after 12 seasons of almost constant instability and decline (Royle years excluded). COYB

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bluefeast added 08:51 - Apr 27 Agree fully re contract , all the young ones he wants to keep ,get them tied down in the summer.
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