BLACKBURN midfielder David Thompson has set his sights on earning a new deal after fighting his way back into Mark Hughes' first team plans.

The 28-year-old schemer is out of contract at the end of the season but, after winning his two-year battle to overcome a serious knee problem, the former Liverpool star is now hoping to convince Hughes that he's worth an extension.

Thompson has only made 44 appearances in the last two seasons due to a succession of injuries, and there was a point when he feared for his future at the club.

However, with those problems now seemingly behind him, the one-time England hopeful is starting to think more positively again and if he succeeds in putting a consistent run of performances together then he hopes that may lead to a new contract offer.

He admitted: "I am a little bit worried about it.

"If I'm fit and playing then I think I can guarantee myself a contract, but if I'm injured then I can't.

"I want to be a part of this club. I don't want to have to move on for the sake of me being injured.

"So I need to make sure that I'm fit and stay fit because the rewards are there."

Thompson, the hero of last week's amazing Carling Cup triumph at Charlton, continued his rehabilitation against Everton on Saturday, where he made his first Premiership start since the final day of last season.

Although he only got 45 minutes' action under his belt - Hughes was forced into a half-time reshuffle following Andy Todd's sending off - Thompson hopes that may lead to an extended run in the side as Rovers prepare to enter the hectic Christmas period.

He added: "It's completely up to the manager.

"He's not put any pressure on me, which has helped me find my feet in training and get my fitness.

"I definitely rushed back last season when I wasn't 100 per cent. This league now demands that you have to be 100 per cent and if you're not then you won't have the impact in games that you want.

"That was something I was conscious of when I came back. I didn't want to look like an average player out there.

"I'm very confident in my body now that I'm fully fit again.

"Obviously, if another injury comes along I'll be devastated, but I don't think about that when I step out on to the pitch."