MARK McGhee is determined to secure Mustapha Carayol's future at Bristol Rovers – and confirmed the club are talking to the winger about extending his contract. Carayol was in inspirational form in the Pirates' 5-1 hammering of Accrington Stanley, playing a part in four of their goals as they rounded off their home campaign in spectacular style with another big win.
It means the Pirates have scored 12 times in their last two home games, although McGhee is well aware that the 22-year-old Gambian's red-hot form could make him a target for other clubs. We are in control of that situation. Muzzy has another year of his contract left and we are talking to him about extending," said the manager.
"I am determined to try to keep Muzzy here. There may appear a set of circumstances that makes that impossible, but that hasn't happened yet.
"I am hopeful that Muzzy will be tearing up defences like that on a new pitch in the first game of next season.
"He was doing it all. He was linking play, going past people, tackling, heading, defending, and providing crosses for goals. About the only thing he didn't do was score himself.
"But when he plays like he did today he is unstoppable. He was fantastic."
Matt Harrold netted his second double in as many home games to take his tally for the season to 18 goals, with Andy Dorman also netting a spectacular goal and youngster Matthew Lund coming off the bench to grab a brace in the final game of his loan spell from Stoke City.
"I told the players beforehand that I wanted them to go out and try to help Matty get towards 20 goals. Now he has a chance of doing that next week," said McGhee.
"I thought some of the combination play was superb considering the surface we were playing on. The movement around the ball and around each other is what we have been working towards.
"The finishing was terrific, but there were great performances all over the park.
"Michael Smith stepped in as Danny Woodards was suffering with a sore hamstring and he played really, really well. Aaron Downes came in and played really, really well and eventually Matty Lund came on and he contributed with two terrific goals.
"That is his game, arriving in the box and getting goals, and that is why we are so keen to have him back here next season."
McGhee and the players were given a rousing reception as they did a lap of honour at the end of the game, but the manager admitted: "I was embarrassed."
He said: "It's not something I really enjoy, although I wanted the players to enjoy it.
"What have we really done? Nothing. We are about to finish in mid-table and watch other teams going into the play-offs.
"I enjoyed the result today, so I was able to walk around with a smile on my face, but deep down I can't wait for next season to get started – so I couldn't wait for that lap of honour to finish."
Rovers round off their campaign next weekend with a trip to Dagenham & Redbridge.
Even though he missed Saturday's game through injury, Woodards was named Rovers Player of the Season by both the Presidents Club and Young Pirates, with Cian Bolger their choice for Young Player of the Season.
The Supporters Club will announce their choices at their awards night at the Memorial Stadium on Thursday.
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