Middlesbrough coach, Tony Pulis believes John Obi Mikel is enjoying his football life at the club and he may stay next season.

The Super Eagles captain joined the English championship side after his China odyssey with Tianjing Teda came to an end. His contract with Boro will lapse at the end of the season.  Pulis believes a contract extension could be on the cards whether or not Boro are promoted to the Premier League.

‘’I don’t think the key to keeping John is going up. I think the key is to show him the potential the club has,’’ said Pulis to Teesside Live.

‘’I think the secret to keeping John at the end of the season is to convince him this is a club going in the right direction.” He added : ‘’John has come in and done tremendously well for us and he is enjoying his football.

“And I think he is enjoying the club too, the set-up, the feel around the squad and what we are trying to do here….’’

In five outings for Middlesbrough in the Championship, Mikel has helped the playoff hopefuls pick up 10 points.