Alex Bruce has revealed how he rejected the chance to leave Hull City this summer in a bid to keep his Premier League dream alive.
And after winning his fight for a first-team recall at the weekend, the central defender has now set his sights on earning an extended deal at the KC Stadium.
Bruce made his first league start since the opening day of the season when deputising for the injured Michael Dawson at Liverpool, fully justifying his place as the Tigers recorded an excellent 0-0 draw.
The Anfield stalemate was a satisfying return for Bruce in a season spent predominantly on the fringes and he hopes it has helped to vindicate his decision to continue working under his father Steve, the City boss.
"There were offers (to leave) but I wanted to stay. I have worked a long time to get into the Premier League and I didn't want to give it up," said Bruce, a reported target for Leeds United during the summer transfer window.
"I realise a lot of people out there will say, 'He's only in the Premier League because of his dad'. But I have a thick skin when it comes to comments like that.
"I like to think those who have watched me play will say I am there on merit and can hold my own. If I can keep playing like I did at Liverpool then, hopefully, I can keep the shirt on merit.
"That is always my target. When the time is right and I think, 'I am not pulling my weight here' then, of course, I will be the first to walk away.
"But I am happy here. I feel I have played the best football of my career here. We have been successful and I don't see any reason why I should leave."
Like a handful of players in the City squad, including Liam Rosenior, Paul McShane, Stephen Quinn, Bruce has now entered the final year of his existing contract at the KC.
Talks have yet to take place over extending an association that began with his free transfer in July 2012, but the Northern Ireland international makes no secret of his desire to stick around.
He added: "I have had to be patient and had to wait for a chance. But that is the same for all Premier League players. I only have a few months left on my contract but would love to stay.
"We will have to wait and see. I don't know when anything might happen. I will just sit and wait to see if the club think I merit a new deal. It is out of my hands."
Bruce assured himself of another chance in the City defence when making the most of a first league start in two months. The clean-sheet earned at Anfield followed on from a 2-2 draw at Arsenal seven days earlier and, ahead of facing second placed Southampton on Saturday, Bruce is proud to see City flourishing.
"There is something special building here and you don't walk away from that," he said. "I have worked hard all my life to get here and I am not going to give that up by going back to the Championship
"It is unbelievable to think how far we have come. The supporters must agree with that. Things have changed so much since I first came here.
"I am proud to think I have played a little part in helping the club move forward. And now it is nice to be among these great players that Hull City has."
