New contract for Petrov should be a priority

As of this week winger Martin Petrov is free to discuss terms with other clubs having entered the final six months of his current deal. Though he's started fewer games than most of the more high-profile senior players so far this season, he has, when afforded pitch time under both managers, shown a hunger and desire to do the best for the club. I believe he wants to stay here, despite expressing an interest in a move to Spurs in January, and we must protect ourselves against the possibility of such a talented player leaving for nothing in the summer.

We're all aware of the good and bad that comes with a player like Martin. On his day he's unplayable, as direct a winger as you'll see in the Premier League, pace to burn, a hammer of a left foot, a real joy to watch. With that has at times come the lethargic, half-hearted attempts at helping out in his own half, the strops, flashes of a bad attitude, and an alleged bad influence on the training ground.

Whilst the excellent form of Croatian Niko Kranjcar, and return to action of compatriot Luka Modric might mean the chances of Martin seeing White Hart Lane as a place more likely to offer first-team football are slim, there would surely be no shortage of takers, both here and in Europe, for an experienced international proven in three of the world's elite divisions.

The player might quite understandably want to see which arrivals are added to the squad over the next month, as well as if he retains his place once the likes of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Robinho return to fitness, and not to mention striker Emmanuel Adebayor from Angola. As things stand, though, he's making a real impression, and the change of boss will hopefully prove a new start.

When picked this season he's played with a real bit between the teeth, not only making the difference in terms of goals and assists, but tracking back, and playing in a variety of positions. His strikes against Fulham and Stoke came from his unnatural side, and against Boro on Saturday he made all the difference whilst playing most of the game in a central role. From having a reliable yet fairly predictable left-winger, we've now got someone at home wherever picked, and itching for games.

I can't speak for other supporters, but i always prefer to see the players picked being those who demonstrate their willingness to dig in for the cause out on the pitch. I sincerely hope Robinho goes on to have a fruitful season and future at the club, but he's very rarely demonstrated that desire, and whilst on his day he might be by far and away our most naturally-talented player, even if fully fit at present he'd be third choice in his position, for me.

Petrov in the side, in my opinion, also encourages us to play the right way. Despite being a 'chalk on boots' winger he's equally at home playing inside and on the deck, and the movement of the current front two will get the best from him. All of those players; Petrov, Bellamy and Tevez, are impossibly to pigeonhole, all interchange roles, make great use of space and are thinking footballers.

What will be will be, but i hope the management team are looking at the situation. Though i appreciate they may want to bide their time before making a real assessment of the squad, should he be willing to sign an extension then common sense should prevail. Mancini might not be able to guarantee Martin a starting place for the duration of any potential deal, he can only encourage him to keep playing as he is and make him aware that he's doing himself no harm. The terms shouldn't be a problem, especially when considering the arrivals we've splurged a small fortune on over the last eighteen months. Get the lad signed up!