LIAM Rosenior believes he is ready to establish himself as one of the "best full-backs in the country" after signing a new two-year deal with Hull City.
The 28-year-old defender ended any doubt over his Tigers' future yesterday when agreeing terms on an improved deal to tie him to the KC until 2015.
Rosenior can now look forward to a fourth campaign with City when pre-season training begins next week, ahead of the club's Premier League return at Chelsea on August 17.
The opening weekend trip to Stamford Bridge will see Rosenior back in the top flight for the first time since he was part of a Reading side relegated in 2008.
But as he bids to wrestle back a regular starting berth in Steve Bruce's side, he is refusing to settle for anything but the best with the Tigers.
"I'm not content to be a bench player and I've not signed a deal to be one," said Rosenior, who was limited to just 15 Championship starts last season.
"I want to start every game. I've been waiting for this moment for the last four or five years to show people that I can be one of the best full-backs in the country. I still believe I can prove that.
"The challenge for me is to force my way back into the manager's thoughts in pre-season and make him change his mind or maybe sway him to use the system that suits me.
"I'm not going to be content with just being here, I want to make an impression next season."
Despite being assured in May that he, along with Paul McShane and Mark Oxley, would be one of the would-be free agents offered new terms this summer, Rosenior's future was only finalised at the KC yesterday.
Interest was lodged from two other clubs in recent weeks, but the promise of an extended City stay was irresistible.
"There was interest from two other clubs, clubs with highly respected managers which was flattering," he added. "Given how little I played last season, it was a confidence boost for me to still have that interest out there.
"It was a massive decision for me this summer. Not just for my football career but for my family too. I've got four girls who I want to grow up in the right way and me and my wife want to be happy in our lives.
"Sometimes I think people look at footballers and think they make a decision purely on money but that's not the case. It's about so many things."
Although Rosenior's role was reduced by Bruce's preference of a 3-5-2 shape for much of last season, he will begin a new term coveting an orthodox right-back position should City revert to 4-4-2.
It was there he helped the Tigers clinch promotion on the final day of the season with a 2-2 draw against Cardiff and that contribution was lauded by Bruce.
"To be fair to the gaffer he always said to me that no matter what league we were in, he wanted me to be here for next season," he added.
"The manager called me about a week after winning promotion and told me that he wanted me to be a part of things here. He made it clear I was a positive member of his squad and he was delighted I got my chance (against Cardiff). That's all I needed to hear really."
THE Tigers are due to confirm the signing of Ahmed Elmohamady from Sunderland on a three-year deal later today.
They are also expected to finalise the capture of goalkeeper Allan McGregor.
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