Luke Murphy is hoping to be offered new Alex contract.

Six foot two Murphy has missed just 23 minutes of first team action this season

Crewe Alexandra midfielder Luke Murphy is hoping to keep playing well enough to earn a new contract at the club.

Alsager-born Murphy, whose current deal runs out at the end of the 2010/11 campaign, has been an ever-present this season scoring three goals.

And the local boy makes it quite clear that he wants to remain at Gresty Road.

"It's down to other people to sort out if they want me here. But of course I want to stay. This is my club," Murphy, 21 on Thursday, told BBC Radio Stoke.

"My contract situation won't affect me at all. I just want to keep playing in a team that is improving rapidly.

"I am feeling more confident with my game, and the more games I get to play I know it will make me a better player."

Having come through the Academy set-up at Crewe, six foot two Rode Heath-based Murphy burst onto the scene at the age of 19 by scoring on his full debut at Hartlepool almost exactly two years ago.

He has now hit eight goals at senior level in 39 league games. And he was instrumental in the Alex gaining their first away win in League Two of the season on Saturday.

Murphy created both goals as Clayton Donaldson and Shaun Miller scored in the 2-0 win at Southend that lifted Crewe up to 10th in League Two.