Paul Gallagher hopes he still has a part to play in Preston North End’s future

The PNE skipper played the full 90 minutes in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Bimringham City.

Gallagher had a part to play in the opening goal too, sending the corner in for Patrick Bauer to score. Brad Potts added North End’s second goal minutes before the end.

Thirty-five-year-old Gallagher’s contract expires this summer, having had it initially extended to cover the remainder of games, although he would have been willing to play on regardless.

“I hope there is something in the pipeline,” he said.

“I would have played for this club to the end of the month even if I hadn’t signed the new contract, that’s what it means to me.

“If it was the last game I would have liked it to have been under different circumstances in front of the supporters.

“Since I’ve been here for the last seven-and-a-half years, I’ve given everything for this football club.

“It’s one I call home and one I hold close to my heart, that’s why it hurt so much that we can’t get to the play-offs. I’ve played 30-odd games this season, I still feel I’m a key player in the squad - not just on the field, but off it too.”

Despite beating Birmingham, a Cardiff City win elsewhere meant that the promotion dream is over for Preston for this season.

For Gallagher, it is about the club that he calls home continuing to improve. He said: “I’ve been here a long time and I know the standards and what’s required here.

“If I can help younger players along the way that’s something I’d love to do. I know I can still do a job out there, even if I’m getting older.

“I use the younger boys out there to do the running. If you’ve still got quality and you’re still providing goals and assists, I’d give everything to carry on playing. I’ve enjoyed every season I’ve been here, it’s been a real honour to play for this football club.

“I feel when I’ve been here we’ve always got better.

“We’ve had some good success here, individually and as a team. When I came here it was all about getting out of League One, we managed to do that and we’re a strong outfit in the Championship.”