Ipswich Town midfielder Massimo Luongo on his future at Portman Road and Accrington Stanley clash
Massimo Luongo says it was a no-brainer to join Ipswich Town in January, and hasn't ruled out staying beyond the summer.
The Australian midfielder made his first start for the Blues in Saturday's 4-0 win against Burton Albion, having coming off the bench in his previous three appearances.
"I felt good. Starting is always nice," said Luongo.
"I think the manager kept me off starting for a little while because of the injury risk, getting me up to speed and things like that. It was nice to have a full stadium and I just enjoyed it from the first minute."
Luongo, 30, returned to Portman Road in January 10 years on from his first appearance in an Ipswich shirt.
His career has since taken him to the likes of QPR, Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough, before rejoining the Blues at the start of this year on a six-month deal.
He said: "It was an absolute no-brainer. At the time, we weren't anywhere near promotion or play-offs at Boro, and even though I wasn't playing I think it's nice to be in a place where they are pushing for something.
"I thought this is a big chance and a big opportunity to be at a club where they are going to be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. In my head, I thought it was the best opportunity to play and get back into football."
And is there a possibility of him staying in Suffolk beyond the expiry of his contract at the end of the season?
"It's not something I have thought about or spoken about to anyone about, but I just take it as it comes," added the Australian international.
"In the last few years, I've been in my last year and the more you think about it the more it stresses you out. I'm enjoying it and I'm enjoying playing, and that's all I can do.
"If it happens, it happens and if it doesn't I'll go and do it somewhere else."
Luongo's attention is currently on Accrington Stanley, who head to Portman Road tomorrow night (kick-off 7.45pm).
Ipswich will be looking to make it four wins in a row against John Coleman's side, who sit precariously outside of the relegation places in 20th.
While fitness has been a concern for the former Sheffield Wednesday man since joining, he believes he is fit enough again to be in contention to start on Tuesday.
"I think me coming off a little bit before the end was trying not to blow me up," he said. "We will see what the manager says, but I'm definitely available and I can go again if needed to.
"I know we have got a few tough opponents coming up. I think you've just got to play who you've got on the day and suddenly we are three wins from three in a row, and if we can make it four then we will take it into the next game."
