STEPHEN Quinn believes there is no-one more deserving of a long-term future at the KC Stadium than Paul McShane, calling his Hull City team-mate "an almighty man."
McShane, who will see his current contract expire next month, has been assured he will be the first player manager Steve Bruce speaks with this week after a remarkable resurrection with the Tigers.
Despite making just one City appearance in the 18 months that preceded Bruce's appointment last summer, McShane has played 29 games in the Tigers' march to the Premier League this season.
A brilliant run of form has established the 27-year-old defender as a huge fans' favourite at the KC Stadium and his goal in the 2-2 draw with Cardiff was a moment that helped clinch a return to the Premier League.
McShane, along with City, will be back in the big time next season, and Quinn says the comeback of his fellow Irishman has been an uplifting victory for perseverance.
"To show the character we did and for McShane, the player of the season in my eyes, to get a goal was incredible," Quinn told the Mail.
"He deserves it so much. It's his winning mentality and desire, not just in football, in life.
"He does everything right. He's in the gym at the right time and eats the right stuff, you learn off people like him.
"Mac's my age and I want to be like him. I want to structure my life like him. He dedicates his whole life to playing. He's had knock-downs in the past but that's the measure of the man. That's why I like him even more, he comes back from anything like that.
"He's an almighty man who you want in the trenches wherever you go."
Of the Tigers' starting XI that drew 2-2 with Cardiff on Saturday, four players will see their current deals expire at the end of next month.
Jay Simpson, Liam Rosenior, Abdoulaye Faye and McShane are all expected to speak with Bruce in the coming weeks, talks that will ultimately decide if they are to join City on their Premier League adventure.
One individual guaranteed to be offered a fresh extension is McShane and Bruce says his popular defender fully warrants a fifth season at the KC.
"We had a remarkable conversation last summer, when Paul basically told me that he had never trusted any manager he had worked under," said Bruce.
"We didn't come to blows or anything like that, but it was quite a thing to say. All I asked was for him to give me a chance. I said 'You have something still to offer in this Championship'.
"To be fair, for him to get the accolades is testament to him. He never gives up. He had a difficult couple of years but he will be the first one I speak to in the next couple of weeks to offer a new contract.
"He deserves that and he will be one we take with us to the Premier League."
