SAM Parkin has rejected overtures to extend his stay at the County Ground, although the injured striker insists he is hardly bolting for the exit.

The 24-year-old still has a year to run on his present deal but has never tried to hide the fact that he is ambitious to test himself at the highest possible level.

Town have raised the subject of a fresh deal but the 23-goal forward doesn't feel the time is right to talk contracts.

A deadline day bid from Championship outfit Burnley was rejected, but with the promotion dream over at the County Ground for another year, there is likely to be a queue of admirers jostling for his services in the summer.

Parkin clearly cares about the Town faithful, but then only the shallowest of fans would point an accusing finger if a bigger club was to snap him up.

The man himself is ruling nothing in and nothing out at this stage.

He said: "I've had a brief conversation with the manager.

"I've still got a year left on my deal and I don't want to talk with the club at the moment about extending it.

"If there is an offer from a club in a higher division then obviously I may discuss it.

"I'm not in any hurry and if nothing right comes up, and I'm here next season then maybe I'll discuss a new contract then.

"I've had three fantastic years here and I'd like to get this club promoted.

"At the end of the day I'm not getting any younger and if the opportunity comes to go to a big club then I'll have to listen to what they have to offer."

Sadly, the only place he is heading for at the moment is the treatment table.

The hip injury he picked up playing for Scotland on Tuesday night will keep him out of tomorrow's match with Tranmere Rovers.

He said: "I'm a little bit better and hopefully it won't be too long but I'm definitely going to be missing at the weekend."

Andy King is the man trying to persuade Parkin to stay but against that the manager has always preached the importance of progression.

He said: "The club have offered Sam a new contract. The outside world knows the situation as agents discuss it openly.

"I have to prove to Sam Parkin that I believe we will start the season with an opportunity to be successful.

"He isn't at this moment in time wishing to sign another one but he's said that if he is here at the start of the season and the season's going well then he isn't against looking at signing another one. He loves it here."

The Town boss added: "I don't think you'll see him going to another club in this division.

"However, if the opportunity comes to play at a much better football club then I don't stand in the way of progression, it's what I preach."

Whether a Town player or not next season, King feels the striker's 23 minutes on the international stage will have done his chances of a recall no harm.

He said: "He's done himself the power of good but I always felt he wouldn't let himself or the club down anyway.

"I think we will hear from Scotland about Sam Parkin being involved again."

Sadly, the Town fans won't have chance to congratulate their Scottish international tomorrow.

King said: "Sam being out is a nightmare, a major blow. Whether he plays again this season is a problem, let alone Saturday."