PAUL McAreavey is fighting to convince Andy King that he is worth a new deal but Steve McMahon is the man who gave him his big break.

Although troubled by a calf injury he is still hopeful of being involved for the visit of the Seasiders tomorrow.

It will give him the opportunity to pit his wits against the man who signed him and gave him his league debut.

McAreavey, pictured in action against Blackpool below, said: "Steve McMahon brought me to the club so I'll always be grateful to him for that.

"I know he's not so popular with a lot of the supporters but he was always okay with me."

If the former Northern Ireland Under 21 star is selected, he will be hoping for a much happier result than his last meeting with Mr McMahon.

The youngster has bitter-sweet memories of Town's trip to Bloomfield Road in November.

McAreavey entered the fray as a 68th minute substitute that day.

With only seconds remaining he worked his way into the box only to be flattened.

The referee pointed to the spot and it looked as though McAreavey's contribution had done enough to secure a point.

Sadly, Danny Invincible missed from the spot and Town slipped to defeat.

But four months on, McAreavey wants to make sure Town are not left to rely on a last-gasp spot kick to get anything out of the Seasiders.

He said: "It will be a tough game but the boys are confident that we can get the victory.

"I think 54 points really would be enough to see us safe."

As for the prospects of getting a new deal in the summer, McAreavey is neither positive or pessimistic.

He said: "I don't know what's happening to be honest. We will just have to wait and see I suppose."