Peter Haring admits he is happy at Hearts and would like to extend his stay beyond the summer but has insisted there is no rush over thrashing out his future.
The Jambos are in a real tussle to land the best of the rest spot behind Celtic and Rangers this year with a losing run of five games coupled up with red-hot form from Aberdeen meaning the Gorgie men now trail the Dons by five points with five games to go. Steven Naismith grabbed his first win as interim boss last time out to bring that shocking run to an end with an emphatic 6-1 win over Ross County but Barry Robson's men made it seven wins on the bounce with victory over Rangers at Pittodrie.
Haring and Co are fully focused on trying to catch Aberdeen knowing that third spot could guarantee European group stage football again with the Old Firm squaring off in the Scottish Cup semi-final this weekend with the winner heading into the showpiece against one of Falkirk or Inverness in June.
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The 29-year-old spent an extended period on the sidelines due to a concussion knock but was back in the starting team for that huge Tynecastle win over the Staggies. He went into the final run-in in a similar situation contract wise last year and is relaxed about his future.
Speaking to Edinburgh Evening News, Haring said: “I hope I can stay beyond the summer, yes. I haven’t thought about it very much but I’m happy here.
“I’ve been in this situation last year, as you know, but there is nothing much to say just now. The primary focus has to be on the next five games to hopefully get us back into third place.
“I’m relaxed. I’ve been in this situation and the club knows me as well. There is no need to rush, so it’s all good.
On interim boss Naismith, he added: “Every person has his own ideas and Naisy tries to get his across. I know it’s only been two weeks but, even in training, you can definitely see the first glimpses of what he is trying to implement in the team. He wants us to be more on the front foot, going forward quicker.”
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