BLACKBURN Rovers defender Craig Short today said he's prepared to wait until the end of the season before opening talks about a new contract.

The veteran centre-back is planning on playing for one more season before he reluctantly hangs up his boots.

And ideally, he would like to finish his career at Rovers where he's enjoyed some of his finest moments.

Blackburn boss Graeme Souness has already told the 35-year-old he's keen to offer him a new deal in the summer when his present one expires.

But formal talks between the two parties have been put on hold whilst Rovers battle to stay in the Premiership.

"There's no way I can talk to them about it until the club is safe," said Short, who is also a target for Sheffield United.

"I'm just hoping that if we stay up then they'll keep me on.

"The boss said to me about a month ago 'what are you doing next season?' and I told him that I'm playing on for another year.

"He then said 'what's this about Sheffield United?' and I said 'Neil Warnock is my old manager but I still want to stay here' and he said 'we want to keep you.'

"So he said we've just got to sort things out, which is fair enough, and I'm happy to wait until the summer.

"Right now, I think we all just want to get this season out of the way then with Markus Babbel probably going back (to Liverpool), there should be a chance I'll be able to stay."

Short has been one of Rovers' most consistent performers this season, even though his campaign has been interrupted by injuries.

As a result, Souness is keen to offer him one more year, especially as Babbel is likely to return to Liverpool when his season-long loan comes to an end and Andy Todd's future is still very much in the air after he refused to be a substitute in the recent game against Leeds United.

"We plan to talk to Craig about another year," said the Rovers boss.

"I wouldn't expect him to play every week next season but he's certainly a great guy to have around the place, both in terms of what he offers you on the pitch and what he gives you in the dressing room.

"Shorty's a throw-back, he's a proper professional, and he's someone who I enjoy working with."

In the meantime, Short knows his chances of staying on will be boosted if he can stay fit for the run-in.

A series of niggling injuries have restricted his appearances this term and another spell on the sidelines might influence the club's decision.

"If I'm injured, I can't really go in and see the manager," added Short.

"About a month ago I had an injury and I thought there's absolutely no way I can go in and speak to him so I just left it.

"Now it's up to the club to decide what they want to do."