Left-back Scott Barron says he is determined to win a new contract at Portman Road. Barron has started to establish himself in the first team since coming into the side over the Christmas period.

The 20-year-old told the club site: "The manager has given me a chance and it's up to me now to show what I can do.

"We have got other players who can play at left-back - Matt Richards, Fabian and Sito have all played there as well this season - but hopefully I can do enough to keep my place in the side.

"It is an important time for me with my contract up in the summer, but if I am playing every week then that will put me in a strong position to earn myself a new deal come the end of the season."

Joe Royle had been targeting a new left-back in the January transfer window but Barron's re-emergence after a year on the sidelines with a groin injury has changed his mind, although reports in Scotland claim that Town have been keeping an eye on Aberdeen's Kevin McNaughton.

The Blues previously showed an interest in the 23-year-old in early 2002. The Scotland international is also reportedly being watched by Cardiff, Watford and Leicester.

Meanwhile, Richard Naylor says he'd happily spend the rest of his Town career at Portman Road: "My current deal [until June 2009] takes me to my early 30s, but I hope to be able to play a lot of football after that.

"If there was a contract there to sign until I was 36, then I'd sign it right now and get it done. I'd sign for life.

"I really enjoy playing for this football club and if it turns out that I spend the whole of my career here then that would suit me fine.

"I've signed short-term deals over the last few years, probably because of my injuries and playing in a new position as well, so it was understandable.

"My latest contract gives me some security and that's a weight off my mind, especially with a young family to look after."

Naylor, in his tenth year as a professional at the club, celebrates with a testimonial season during 2006/07 with the Town Team of 2000 the planned opposition in a game currently pencilled in for September 2nd.

Photo: Action Images

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