MICHAEL Ingham is not ruling out staying on as York City goalkeeper beyond 2013.

The former Northern Ireland international, who turned 31 this month, recently agreed a contract extension that will keep him on the Bootham Crescent club’s books for the next two seasons.

Having started his second spell between the sticks for the Minstermen in 2008, the new deal would see Ingham complete six campaigns of continued service but, after listening to manager Gary Mills’ ambitions for the club, the City stopper admitted he would not be averse to the idea of staying in North Yorkshire longer.

“I don’t see why not,” he said, when questioned about that possibility.

“I’ve signed a contract because I think we will be in the Football League during that time.

“I might be 31 but, fitness wise, I feel like I’m 25 and I’d like to go on for another seven or eight years.

“I’ve been made to feel a big part of the team and club at York and feel appreciated by everybody.

“The support I have had from people since I signed the new deal certainly justified my decision.

“I’m also happy with the way the club is moving and that’s all to do with the gaffer.

“He has told me how much he rates me and that I’m in his plans for what he wants to achieve and I’ve enjoyed my football under him.

“A lot of people might have thought I would hold a grudge because he took the captaincy off me when he came here but that’s not the case at all and I still make sure I’m a major voice in the changing room.”

Ingham insisted he had not instigated the new contract talks but welcomed a chance to commit his future to the club rather than having the option of talking to other clubs in the New Year in the knowledge that he would be entitled to a free transfer at the end of the 2011/12 campaign.

He said: “The gaffer approached me and offered the extension. Some people might think it’s better to take a gamble and let your contract run down but I’m not looking for a move.

“I had a year left on my contract anyway and leaving was not on my mind.”

Ingham also believes “exciting” times lie ahead for the Minstermen following Mills’ transfer market activity over the summer.

He added: “It’s an exciting time and the three lads we have signed who I know all about – Lanre Oyebanjo, Jason Walker and Matty Blair – are great additions.”

Ingham believes right-back Oyebanjo, recruited from relegated Histon, can help City to improve on a defensive record that has already been impressive during his last three seasons in goal at Bootham Crescent.

He also admitted the acquisition of proven Blue Square Bet Premier marksman Walker from Luton had surprised him, saying: “Jason Walker’s definitely threatened and caused us problems every time we have played against him.

“He looks small but he’s got a great leap and I can’t believe we’ve signed him. I think Luton’s loss will be our gain.

“He’s settled in already and, the way people are getting on, I feel we will have a better dressing room than last season.

“As for Lanre, I think when he’s played against us at right-back he’s looked one of the best in that position in the league.

“I believe he will slot into an already solid defensive unit and, having him in there, will help us to probably keep more clean sheets next season.

“Having Scott Kerr here for a full season will also help in that respect, as I believe he’s one of the best defensive midfielders in the division.”

Of the side’s other new signings – relative unknown quantities – Ingham has received encouraging recommendations in particular about his compatriot, Northern Ireland Under-21 international Patrick McLaughlin.

The City ’keeper added: “The younger lads have had good educations at big clubs and they will be looking forward to getting involved in competitive football.

“I’ve made a few phone calls to people back home who know Patrick and they can’t believe he’s come to us because they believe he’s that good.”