MIDDLESBROUGH defender Tony McMahon is keen to sign a new contract in the summer, but admits talks over a new deal will take a back seat while he tries to help Tony Mowbray's side maintain their promotion push.

McMahon's deal expires in the summer, but having come up through the ranks at Boro's academy, the 25-year-old wants to remain at the club.

The Bishop Auckland-born right-back has found his first team opportunities limited recently with Mowbray opting to start Justin Hoyte instead, but McMahon insists he is happy to work his way back into the team.

McMahon, who skippered the Boro side that won the 2004 FA Youth Cup, believes he can still play a bit part in helping the Teessiders push for promotion, something he insists takes precedence over a new deal.

"There's been some talk," McMahon said, speaking at a Middlesbrough FC in the Community event, Boro's Got Talent.

"The manager has said that he wants me to stay and hopefully come the end of the season we'll sit down and sort it all out.

"I've always said I want to stay at Middlesbrough, I've been here a long time. I've worked hard to still be here, I've seen a lot change and like I say we want to get that promotion and speaking about my contract will probably come at the end of the season, but my main aim is to get back in the team.

"I've still played over 30 times, so if you look at it like that I've still had a good season and there are still a lot of games to go. I'm there training everyday doing my best, when I do get back in I've got to make sure I stay there by performing well.''

He added: "I've had some chats with the manager, he knows me well enough to know I want to play every game and that's just the type of lad I am. My head's down I'm working hard and if I get the chance I'll take it with both hands.

"Of course I want to play every game but I know it's a squad game. Justin's been in recently and he's done well and the lads have picked up some good results both at home and away.

"As a player you know that's part and parcel of it, you get in the team and you get out of it. It's just how it goes really. I can't have any complaints though, because the lads have done really well.

"Justin's (Hoyte) done really well in my position, but it's a squad game and we're all in it together."

Boro's promotion bid took an unwanted hit on Sunday with defeat at home to Leeds United, but despite the result Mowbray's side remain in the play-off places.

Mowbray's men face back-to-back away trips when they travel to Birmingham City on Saturday, before facing second-placed West Ham United at Upton Park on Tuesday night, but McMahon insists the squad are raring to go.

He said: "Looking at the result against Leeds it was really disappointing. I don't think we performed anywhere near like we have in the past.

"People have spoken about the home form, I think as a team, it properly suits us better away, because teams come onto us a bit more and we soak that up and hit them on the counter.

"At home in front of the fans we have to show we're going out all attack and sometimes that's cost us in the past. We're still in a great position, we're fourth in the league and we're going for it. The only way is up. We're right in the mix and hopefully we can carry on."