SAM Allardyce wants Gudni Bergsson to carry on playing next season but admits it would require "massive sacrifices" on the player's part to give it one more year.

The Reebok boss hailed the 37-year-old's form this season as "unbelievable" and will leave the door open to his skipper if he decides to reverse his decision to quit.

He says he has no option but to work on the basis that Bergsson will keep his promise to quit football at the end of this season.

But he is not ruling out a possible U-turn by the player - however unlikely it may seem - until the Icelandic international finally hangs up his boots.

"People will start to talk again about whether he will retire or not," Allardyce suggested.

"He says he is retiring but he has said that for the last three years."

"He is unbelievable but the issue is not only about football but also about his family life.

"The old man has had a new lease of life brought about by good results and clean sheets.

"When you win games and keep clean sheets suddenly you don't feel as old or tired as you do when things are going wrong.

"But the point is he doesn't see his wife and children a lot and to stay in the Premiership for one more year would mean him having to make massive sacrifices."

Allardyce conceded that Bergsson's family will have the final say.

"His wife Ella will decide because it is about whether she and their children can cope without seeing him. Is it worth it."