Mick McCarthy has admitted that he would like to retain the services of Darren Ambrose beyond the end of his current Ipswich Town contract.
The 30-year-old returned to Portman Road for a third stint back in September when he signed a deal that will expire next month.
However, the former England Under-21 international has done enough since then to convince McCarthy that he can an important member of his squad between now and the end of the season.
"My intention would be to try and keep him and I think his intention is to definitely stay here," McCarthy told the East Anglian Daily Times.
"A couple of lads have said he has got better and stepped up a bit recently. He's certainly complemented training and contributed in games."
Ambrose has made five appearances for the Tractor Boys this season.
