Injury prone Blackburn midfielder Steven Reid admits the 2009/10 campaign could be a crucial season in his career. The Republic of Ireland international missed almost the whole of last season with a cruciate knee ligament injury, while he lasted only 45 minutes on his return to action in a Carling Cup tie at Gillingham this term.
With his current contract set to expire next summer, the 28 year old is determined to earn an extension by impressing on the pitch.
"It's definitely one of the biggest seasons of my career," he told the Lancashire Telegraph.
"There are a few things to aim for. I've got the Premier League with Blackburn, hopefully the World Cup next summer and if all goes well hopefully I will extend my stay here.
"I've just got this year left at Blackburn, so I've got a lot to prove.
"The way the club have been with me, they've stuck by me and the fans have been brilliant, so hopefully I can repay them this season. It would be nice at the end of it to extend my stay further than the 12 months I've got left.
"I haven't had any talks about my contract so it's just a matter of getting back to fitness, back into the team and proving myself to the new manager, who's not seen me play for Blackburn as yet.
"I need to get back to my best and hopefully that will be enough to earn a new deal."