CHRIS WISE Darren Huckerby revealed yesterday that he had turned down the chance of a return to the Premiership earlier in the season - because he was so content at Carrow Road.

CHRIS WISE

Darren Huckerby revealed yesterday that he had turned down the chance of a return to the Premiership earlier in the season - because he was so content at Carrow Road.

The Norwich City frontman has set his sights on ending his career in Norfolk and has no intention of looking for one last big money move as his 30th birthday approaches.

As far as he is concerned he will be a Norwich player until his current contract expires at the end of next season, and he is prepared to talk about staying longer than that if he still feels he has got something to offer to the club.

“I fully intend to see out my career at Norwich,” said Huckerby as he prepared to make his 119th appearance for the club at Sheffield Wednesday this afternoon.

“If I wanted to move to other clubs I am sure I could get another one but that's not what I want to do.

“Five Premier League clubs wanted me in January but I wanted to stay here. I am not short of places to go but I don't see any point in leaving this club, to be honest.”

Huckerby, who turns 30 on Sunday week, insists he feels as fit as ever as he prepares to pass a notable milestone and is convinced he will raring to go next season. As for what the future holds beyond that he is not making any bold predictions, but clearly hopes he will be around for some time to come.

“What I can guarantee is that I won't still be playing when I am Teddy Sheringham's age,” he said. “I am a fit lad but it's a game for youngsters now. You can only play to the highest levels for so long.

“If I think I am slipping, and players who should never have a chance of marking me are keeping me quiet, then I would have big problems with that. I'll know when it's time to call it a day, don't worry about that.

“But at the moment I consider myself to be one of the fittest at this club - so we'll have to see how it goes.”

He added: “I have got one more left year on my contract. Will I still be playing after that? I don't know. The club haven't spoken to me about that yet.

“If they want to come in and talk to me they can - if they don't, they don't. That's life.”

In the shorter-term Huckerby intends to drift quietly into his 30s, with no big celebrations planned next weekend.

“The birthday doesn't mean anything to me to be honest,” he said. “I have had a great 10 years and hopefully my career will kick on over the next two or three. We'll see. All I can say is that I have got no particular plans to be moving anywhere.”