REJUVENATED Hull City star Paul McShane says he would love to extend his stay at the KC Stadium and sign a new deal with the Tigers.
The 26-year-old, who was sold to City by Steve Bruce from Sunderland in the Premier League days, sees his four-year deal expire at the end of the season.
Having spent much of the past two seasons in the wilderness, the 26-year-old has returned to prominence under Bruce for the second time in his career.
And enjoying a new cult-hero status with the Tigers fans – assisted by the winning goal at Nottingham Forest on Saturday – he admits he would now like to stay at the club.
"I'd love to stay. I've always wanted to play for Hull and never really wanted to go out on loan," said McShane, who has had loan spells with Barnsley and Crystal Palace in the last two seasons.
"I had to go and play games because of my international career which had also been in the balance over the last couple of years.
"It's all coming good now, though, so I'm happy enough here, that's for sure."
McShane's future will come under the spotlight in the New Year when Bruce turns his attention to dealing with players coming out of contract.
The Tigers have 15 players in the final years of their deals at the KC Stadium, with McShane joined by the likes of Jay Simpson, Liam Rosenior, Paul McKenna, Andy Dawson, Abdoulaye Faye, and Seyi Olofinjana.
Having signed in City's Premier League days, McShane currently commands one of the highest salaries at the Tigers, and to stay on beyond the end of the campaign, he would no doubt need to accept a significant cut in pay.
For now, McShane is happy to put those thoughts to the back of his mind though, and is focusing on maintaining his good form before talks begin.
"Football changes so quickly so I'm not too fussed about that side of things at the minute.
"It is my last year and you do think about it because you're not quite sure what will happen," he said.
"But it's not something that's on my mind. We'll see what happens, but I'm just concentrating on football for now."
McShane is expected to retain his place in Bruce's side for this weekend's trip to in-form Watford, as City look to register another victory over a play-off rival.
And the Republic of Ireland international says confidence is sky high throughout the City camp, with a great team spirit key to their current success.
"I believe we've got a really good chance of promotion," he said.
"We've got a really good bunch of lads here. I know you hear it all the time but we really do.
"They're a pleasure to be around. I enjoy coming into training every day and I think that goes for most of the lads.
"There's a good feeling about the place at the minute and we just have to keep it going.
"We can't get complacent, there's a long, long way to go yet."
