Midfield star Massimo Luongo says there is no negativity in the Ipswich Town camp as they prepare to start their Premier League campaign with two 'massive' games.

The Blues return to the top tier for the first time in 22 years when they host Liverpool on Saturday, August 17th (12.30pm), followed by a trip to four-time defending champions Manchester City a week later.

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It's a daunting start to life back in the big time, but the Blues have made something of a habit of defying the odds, ripping right through the Championship to secure back-to-back promotions after escaping League One. 

Massimo Luongo says everyone is excited for the big kick-offMassimo Luongo says everyone is excited for the big kick-off (Image: Ross Halls)
And Luongo, 31, insists everyone is up for the challenge of facing some of the world's best players. 

“I think everyone is excited, I think that’s the big thing," he explained.

"We’re relishing the opportunity. We know the first game is massive, Liverpool at home.

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“No one is thinking the other way, negatively, we’re all comparing it to an FA Cup draw - like ‘we’ve got one of the big teams’ and you want to play the big teams and you’re excited to play the big teams.

“The first two games are massive and I think everyone’s excited, everyone wants to play, everyone wants to be involved.

“Saying that now, we’ll see in the last week when we’re analysing them, but at the moment everyone’s really looking forward to it.”