Dundee United defender Mark Wilson is loving life at Tannadice and wants to stay beyond his current contract.
Wilson, 29, has signed a short-term deal to the end of January but he is enjoying himself so much that he wants to stick around.
The former Celtic and Scotland man has slowly but surely regained his match fitness and now wants to be a part of what may yet be a successful season for Jackie McNamara’s young team.
He stressed that his getting first team football will be the crucial factor in either staying or going, both from the player’s and the club’s perspective.
“When I came here at first it was for training and I didn’t really know what to expect,” said Wilson, who started his career at United as a teenager before heading off to the Hoops.
“My initial goal was to get fit and I was lucky enough to get a deal. I had to wait to get into the team because Keith Watson was doing really well.
“Actually, he might look at it and think it’s unfair because he was doing well but I got my chance and have enjoyed playing in this team.
“It’s nice to be involved in a good, young side and we have the four lads up front (Gary Mackay-Steven, Stuart Armstrong, Ryan Gauld and Nadir Ciftci) who leave us other six to defend at the back.
“In saying that, the way we play also allows me and Andy Robertson to attack up the wings. All in all, it is an enjoyable time to be a United player and I want to make the most of it.
“I hadn’t been getting regular games for a long time and it has taken me a bit of time to get back. With every game, though, I am feel a little bit better and I would say I am there as regards fitness now.
“The big thing for me is staying fit and clear of injuries. I feel this could be a really good season for me.”
It seems all positive for Wilson, so does he want to stay?
“I am contracted here to the end of January but if everything is right then yes, of course,” he said.
“The big thing for both parties is that I keep playing. If I don’t play then I would need to look elsewhere and the club could think that there is no point in keeping me.
“So I need to stay in the team and keep myself in the manager’s plans and hopefully earn a contract. Touch wood, injuries haven’t been an issue. Indeed, I have not missed a day’s training since coming here.
“It is important that it stays that way.”
Of course, it is not only Wilson who has had an extra spring in his step following the weekend win at Motherwell.
That performance earned the Tangerines high praise from opposing manager Stuart McCall, who called it the best display from an away team at Fir Park in his time in charge.
“It is going pretty well for us just now and we seem to beating a few teams 4-0, which is great,” said Wilson.
“I think that is the first time I have gone to Motherwell and felt comfortable in a game, including my time at Celtic, and it was nice to hear Stuart McCall say that.
“It is usually always a hard place to go but we were 2-0 up at half-time when it could have been 4-0. After the break, it could have been anything.”
The feelgood factor at United was further enhanced in midweek when Mackay-Steven was called into the Scotland squad ahead of Friday’s friendly against the United States at Hampden.
Wilson is hoping his clubmate can get some game time either against the Americans or in the other game in Norway on Tuesday.
“I think Gary went through a low patch when he got dropped a few weeks ago by United and he also fell out of the Scotland plans,” said Wilson.
“But he came back into the United side and took his opportunity. I am delighted for him and it would be good if he could play.”