Matthew Bates is in no rush to sort out his Valley Parade future.

The former Premier League centre half has been a regular in City’s back four since stepping in for the injured Andrew Davies.

With Davies not due back after knee surgery until the new year, Bates will hope to build on a run of nine consecutive appearances – but he is not looking too far ahead.

His current three-month deal expires after the home game against previous club Bristol City on January 11 and he is content to wait before discussing his options with Phil Parkinson.

“I’m sure I’ll sit down with the gaffer some time after the Christmas period and we’ll see where that goes,” said Bates.

“But I just enjoy being here. I know footballers always say these things but the lads are great and I am enjoying my time at such a big club.

“As long as I stay fit and I keep playing, then I’m happy to see how it goes.”

Having fought his way back from five serious knee operations, Bates has learned to take nothing for granted. He played only 13 games last season.

He said: “I’m getting there but still don’t feel 100 per cent yet. I haven’t played a lot of football over the past year so I feel there is more to come from me.

“The last couple of games have been the best I’ve played. Fitness-wise I’m feeling better but there are still little things that I know I can work on.

“Thankfully, it’s worked out well. All I can do is stay in the manager’s plans and hopefully he’ll keep picking me.

“There’s a lot of competition at centre half, so he must have seen something to have the trust to play me in so many games.”