JOHN OSTER wants to capitalise on his best form in a Sunderland shirt by securing a new contract at the Stadium of Light.

Oster, 24, is due to become a free agent at the end of the season when his current deal expires.

But the Wales midfielder, who has scored in his last two Sunderland appearances, is keen to remain on Wearside after having his career revived by Mick McCarthy.

Oster said: "My contract's up in the summer and at the moment everything's going great.

"I haven't heard anything yet but I'd be more than delighted to stay.

"A few of the lads are in the same boat as me and people are obviously aware of the club's financial situation.

"That means it's in the club's hands whether or not they're going to offer the lads contracts."

Oster's superb display against Ipswich Town on Tuesday had McCarthy purring again after the £1m winger helped to see off Reading last weekend.

McCarthy said: "John's got exceptional ability. He's had lean times but he's enjoying the good times now. He's just got to keep doing it."

The Sunderland manager struck a cautious note, despite his team's run of six wins in eight League games that has propelled them up the table.

McCarthy added: "We're doing fine at the moment, but it could change. I'm not going to get carried away."

* Sunderland were last night linked with a daring swoop for former England striker Stan Collymore, who retired from football in 2001. Collymore, whose ban imposed after he walked out on Real Oviedo will run out in January, has confirmed he could play again.

The 32-year-old said: "The fact that clubs have shown an interest has whetted my appetite.

"When I said I was retiring that was the intention, but with the caveat that if somewhere in the future an opportunity came along, I would consider it."

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