Kilmarnock captain Kyle Vassell is keen to stay at Rugby Park but admitted relegation could affect his future plans.
Ahead of the final five post-split Scottish Premiership fixtures, Derek McInnes’ men are in ninth place, six points ahead of bottom side St Johnstone and one ahead of Dundee, who are in the relegation play-off spot.
Vassell, 32, is back from an ankle injury which has kept him out since January 2 and his contract comes to an end in the summer.
Ahead of Saturday’s home game against Ross County – who are below Killie on goal difference – the striker spoke of remaining at the Ayrshire club, although where they play their football next season may have ramifications.
Vassell said: “The club want me to stay and I want to stay as well.
“I’ve told the club that I just want to get fully fit and get out on the pitch first and then take care of everything else.
“It’s a verbal (agreement), not a written one as I haven’t signed a contract, but we are definitely in the right place.
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“I’d like to stay. My kids were born in Kilmarnock, so we have roots here and I’ve really enjoyed my time here.
“Every team in the bottom six could go down, so we are all in a relegation battle for the next five games.”
Asked if Killie’s fate could have an affect on where he would be next season, he said: “I would probably say somewhat, although I have no doubts that Kilmarnock will be in the top flight next season.
“If the club goes down, there are cuts across the board.
“I don’t want to ramp up the relegation battle, that’s not how we are thinking, we are not worried about people losing jobs or whatever, but that is just the reality of what happens in those situations.
“I am more focused on getting over the line as soon as possible so we can enjoy a couple of games at the end of the season.”
Vassell was named among the substitutes for the win over Motherwell two weeks ago, but was missing for the defeat at Celtic Park last week.
However, he insisted he was ready for the crunch game against County.
He said: “It was just a flare-up. It has been a really annoying injury, the worst I’ve ever had and it’s been really tough to get it right.
“It’s been hard, especially being captain, you kind feel like you are letting the team down and letting the club down, but it’s part of football so I can’t think like that.
“It’s been frustrating and now I can’t wait to play the next five games.”
