GOAL hero Liam George has promised his best is yet to come if he is granted an extended stay at Gigg Lane writes Chris Hall

The Bury midfielder, who scored the winner against Exeter, and centre back Steve Redmond were expected to sign a further month's contract after their existing deals expired on Saturday.

George has not had an easy time convincing manager Andy Preece of his worth since arriving at Gigg Lane in August, starting only two league games so far. But both performances have shown much promise, with his natural flair and creativity coming to the fore.

Now he knows his progression must not stop there or his new-found popularity will be short-lived.

"This is a massive bonus for me. I have been through stages when I've wondered if I'll ever get another chance," he said.

"I had a few meetings with the manager and Graham Barrow and told them that there's just nothing like getting first team football to prove yourself.

"I said that as long as I can get a run of matches to prove I'm good enough, then I will have no quarms about what decision they make after that.

"I've played in the last couple of games and the manager will be looking for a bit more from me now if I want to stay in the first team but I've always been confident in my ability and that there are goals in me."

"It was great to score my first goal for Bury and it gave me a bit more clout to get another contract. It must have been a strange for the fans. After being on the bench for months without a game, they must have been wondering who I was!

His bid to keep a starting place will come under serious threat for next Tuesday's LDV Vans Trophy clash against Tranmere Rovers, with influential midfielder George Clegg set to make his long-awaited comeback from knee ligament trouble.

But George remains positive about his chances of keeping the key link role between the midfield and attack to boost his hopes of a longer term deal.

"I had no doubt that, with Bury's financial situation, I would have to settle for a one-month contract," he said.

"But if I can help the team move further up the league, who knows what will happen after Christmas?

"George is a great player and there are plenty of others fighting for my jersey. Now I've just got to keep working hard to try and keep my place in the first team."

Redmond's signing would be no surprise after four successful years propping up the back line but Preece conceded that George still had much to prove if he wanted another spell at the club in the new year.

"I'm sure he can score more goals when you look at the great positions he gets into in and around the box," he said.

"That's something he has to improve on but his workrate has been super and, if he continues like that, he will have a future with this club."