Sunderland's surge for promotion in League One is showing no signs of slowing down, and neither does the form of resurgent talisman, Aiden McGeady. 

In 23 appearances this season, McGeady has four goals and 12 assists, with his form under Lee Johnson driving Sunderland into automatic promotion contention.

He's come from nowhere to leave the Stadium of Light dreaming of a return to the second-tier, with his latest contribution a valuable goal in Monday's 1-1 draw with Peterborough United.

However, the long-term future of the 35-year-old is up in the air given he's out of contract in the summer and yet to agree new terms in the North East.

That's despite the fact the attacking outlet has made it quite clear he wants to stick around.

What do we know so far?

We know that McGeady is going to be out of contract in the summer, but we know that's not what the Irishman wants.

As per the Sunderland Echo, McGeady was quizzed on whether he wants to stick around, responding: "Of course I do.

“I never wanted to leave Sunderland last January, I wanted to stay. That's why I didn't leave in the summer.
“I'm happy here and I want to be a part of the team that goes back up and then part of the team that maybe goes back up again - that's the dream, for everyone here.”

Is it likely to happen?

The fact that McGeady is so vocal about wanting to stick around at Sunderland, plus the impact he's having under Johnson, gives it a great chance. Agreeing terms for the 35-year-old, who is undoubtedly going to be expensive, might be a stumbling block. However, coming back to the fact that McGeady wants to stay, it really shouldn't be too much of a sticking point. Johnson has rejuvenated the career of McGeady at Sunderland and he's the driving force behind their push for promotion. The board at Sunderland will find it hard to ignore the bold comments the player is making, presumably with Johnson echoing them at every opportunity.