Barnsley boss Heckingbottom urges Adam Hammill to stay at Oakwell

The wing wizard is in his second spell at Oakwell, having rejoined in November on a short-term deal that runs until the summer.

The former Liverpool academy starlet has put in some dazzling displays since donning the red shirt again, proving a key figure in his side’s rise up the League One table.

And Heckingbottom has revealed that he’d love to keep the 28-year-old at the club next season and beyond.

“Adam knows he’s wanted here,” said Heckingbottom, who has presided over five wins in his eight-game spell in temporary charge.

“But he’s come back in and his performances have attracted interest. It’s a footballer’s prerogative.

“His contract is up in the summer. We only signed him on a short-term deal and he’s earned the right with his performances to speak to whoever he wants to try and get the best possible contract, not just in monetary terms, but the best possible deal for him and his family.

“What Adam does know is that he’s loved here, he’s appreciated here. The fans like him, the board of directors, the staff - he’s respected among his peers.

“That’s all got to come into his decision making.”

Hammill returned to the side in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat against Southend having served a three-match suspension after being sent off at Bury.

He was unable to help the Reds avoid succumbing to just their second defeat in 2016, but Heckingbottom praised his level of contribution since coming back to the club.

“The way he played and the way the fans took to him again, he gave us that bit of a spark and he was a leader for us,” he added.

“It seems to fit, it seems to work. The club have given him that opportunity and done right by him and he’s rewarded us with performances.

“Credit to him he’s earned the right to have a selection of clubs and it’s up to him who he chooses.”