Last updated at 09:00, Saturday, 07 July 2012

JP McGovern today ended speculation over his future by insisting he is happy to stay at Carlisle United.

Jon-Paul McGovern

The Glaswegian playmaker had talks with Rotherham this summer, but the League Two side instead opted to sign ex-Shrewsbury wide man Lionel Ainsworth.

Several other clubs, including some in his native Scotland, were also believed to be tracking McGovern, who made 50 appearances and scored five goals for Carlisle last season after joining them on a free transfer from Swindon.

Blues boss Greg Abbott was keen for McGovern to stay but had been preparing for the possibility of him quitting the club after only one season.

However, the player returned to Brunton Park this week for the start of pre-season training, and revealed he is set to stay at Carlisle, where he has another year remaining on his contract.

“There was a bit of interest but as far as I’m concerned I’m a Carlisle player,” he said.

“It’s always nice to hear from other managers and to get compliments like that but I like being here and I’ll be giving it my all again this season. I like to think that’s what I always do for the team and for the manager and it will be no different this year.

“I really have enjoyed my time here. I’ve managed to move a little bit closer to my family, which is always nice, and on the pitch I think I did fairly well last season.

“However, that was last year. I have to go again and make sure I’m performing so that I give myself a chance to be involved as much as possible.”

McGovern has his sights set on helping Carlisle improve on last season’s eighth-place finish.

He added: “The manager has some good ideas and I can see no reason why we won’t do well. He knows the league and he knows the players and it could be an exciting time for us.

“I strive to improve season on season so I want to play as many minutes as I can and do better out on the pitch. I think there’s always room for improvement with every player and it’s no different for me.

“I know I have to do what I can to make sure I’m involved week after week or there’ll be somebody there who is ready to do the job. I’ll be doing the best I can to do well for the team and hopefully that will mean I’m involved.”

First published at 08:56, Saturday, 07 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk