Skipper Jim Magilton says he will not end his playing career when Town's season finishes after the play-offs. The Northern Irishman, now 36, plans to go into coaching when he does finally quit playing.

Magilton, out of contract in June, says no discussions will take place regarding his future until the season is over, although some recent rumours have suggested he may end up with a coaching role with the Blues when he hangs up his boots.

The ex-Oxford, Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder told the club site: "I'll certainly carry on playing while I feel that I have something to contribute to the team and the players around me.

"Nothing will be finalised about me staying at Ipswich until the end of the campaign. It could depend on what division we are playing in, I don't know.

"I'm desperate to have another crack at the top flight, but I have to be physically right if we get there and the opportunity to stay here comes along.

"I will listen to people around me and talk to the gaffer and see what he says.

"I've been in football too long just to pack up and sever links with the game as soon as I'm finished playing.

"I couldn't do that. Football is in my blood and to be able to pass on my knowledge to the next generation of footballers, that would give me as great a pleasure as I get from playing now."

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