Southampton striker Shane Long wants to convince Southampton to offer him a new contract.

The Irishman will enter the final 12 months of his contract this summer.

Long has boosted his chances of receiving a new deal in recent weeks, having scored four goals in his last 5 outings.

He said: "Everyone knows I love it here and I know next season is going to be a big season because of the confidence the manager has instilled around the place and I want to be a part of that.

"If it does come to it at the end of the season and I'm not wanted anymore, then I will still look back on my career at Southampton as a good time and something to be really proud of.

"It's hard to validate giving a new deal out if you aren't getting the goals or the results on the pitch.

"I am working as hard as I can to try and sway it in my direction and if it's not to be then I will look to pastures new, but I don't want that."