JAY Spearing has promised to prove himself all over again to Wanderers fans in the second half of the season.

Out of contract in the summer, the influential midfielder dropped the first major hint that he was seeking a new deal at the Macron after helping Phil Parkinson’s side hold Premier League Crystal Palace to a 0-0 draw in the FA Cup third round.

Chairman Ken Anderson confirmed last month that several higher earners are expected to leave, regardless of whether the Whites gain promotion.

But after demonstrating his importance to the team once again in a hard-earned stalemate against Sam Allardyce’s Eagles, Spearing says he will not give up on the chance to extend his stay at Bolton.

“I can only work hard. Every game is a trial now to show how good I am,” he told The Bolton News. “I have to prove not only to the gaffer but also to everyone else that I’m a good player.

“I am enjoying playing for Bolton at the moment and that’s not just down to me, the lads are helping me out.

“I am not going to stop now until we sort something (a contract).”

Spearing was forced to sit and watch from the sidelines in frustration at the end of last season as Wanderers slid towards relegation because of a contractual wrangle with his former club Liverpool.

The 28-year-old has now put the past behind him and has been a pivotal figure for Parkinson in the Whites’ fine start to the campaign.

“Last year was extremely difficult with everything that happened behind closed doors, things not working out,” he said.

“I had to go away in the summer and think ‘I’m better than that.’ Not all of it was my fault but I have to adapt. I have got two girls back at home and they are my main criteria now. They are why I’ll work myself into the ground for this club every single week, I have to look after them and the missus.”

Spearing was disappointed not to have beaten Palace at the first time of asking but feels confident Wanderers can seal a place in the fourth round.

“The gaffer said at the end that every one of us had matched their players. You wouldn’t think the gap is as big as it is,” he said.