Ipswich Town: Darren Ambrose 'back in love' with football

Ipswich Town midfielder Darren Ambrose has said his love for football has returned after scoring his first goal in England for over two years.

The 30-year-old headed his side in front in their 1-1 FA Cup third-round draw at Southampton.

"It's been a difficult few years, not playing. But I've got the love back now, playing with this team and this manager," he told BBC Radio Suffolk.

"It's changed my opinion of football once again and now I love it again."

Ambrose was released by Birmingham City in the summer, after playing just 10 times in his two seasons at St Andrews, and having to make a loan move to Greek team Apollon Smyrni to get games.

Darren Ambrose's last goal in England was in August 2012

Saturday's draw at the Premier League's fourth-placed side was the former Crystal Palace man's first start since signing a short-term deal with Town.

"I've made it clear I want to be back here playing. I'm pleased to have made a start and a contribution," he said.

"It was my first game in a long, long time and my legs started to tire. All in all I felt really happy to be out there."

Ambrose's contract is set to expire in mid-January, but he is hopeful of extending his stay with Mick McCarthy's Championship promotion hopefuls.

"The manager has called me in and asked me my thoughts. I have no reason to leave whatsoever," he said.

"It's a difficult one, because I haven't played as much as I would have hoped - but the team has been fantastic, so I'm not throwing my arms up and moaning.

"I want to stay, 100%, there's nowhere else I'm looking to go."