A RETURN to the seaside is the last thing John Herron wants in January and says he hopes to stay on with the Pars.

The 22-year-old midfielder was thrilled to join Dunfermline on a temporary arrangement from Blackpool in the final minutes of the summer transfer window and insists he has no desire to return to the English League Two side.

After overcoming an ankle injury suffered in just his third game for Athletic at Ayr in October, the former Celtic youth product has started each of the last three games and is relishing the opportunity to play regularly and be given freedom to create by boss Allan Johnston.

Speaking to Press Sport, Herron admits he is already beginning to think about his options when the transfer market re-opens for business and although he has had interest from elsewhere, he said it would be “hard to walk away” from Dunfermline if they were interested in extending his loan spell.

“I don’t want to go back to Blackpool because I know where I stand there,” he commented.

“There were a few issues there in terms of transfers that didn’t happen and they messed me about a bit.

“In my last couple of years at Celtic I was on the bench and then not on the bench before I went there but the manager here has given me the opportunity to play.

“From day one, he has allowed me to express myself and make mistakes. I think to develop as a player that’s good because if I do make a mistake, the next time I’ll think how can I do the same thing better. I’ve still got a lot of things I can improve on but I’ve really enjoyed it here.

“I’ve spoken to my representatives and my family and I love being home and I’m playing games. I knew I wouldn’t come in and take someone’s place straight away so I kept my head down and knew that if I worked hard I’d get my chance.

“I love it here and the fans have been brilliant; to hear them singing my name at Dundee United was great. I’m back from injury now and playing games so if something comes up here in January then I would look at it.

“There has been a bit of interest from a few people talking but if Dunfermline were to put something on the table then it would be hard to walk away from here.”