CHRIS Mepham insists he isn't looking too far ahead despite uncertainty over his long-term future - and says his only focus right now is staying in the Sunderland side and helping the Black Cats build on their flying start to the Championship season.
The Wales international joined Sunderland on a season-long loan on deadline day from Bournemouth, where his contract is due to expire next summer.
The Cherries do have the option to extend the central defender's deal by a further 12 months, which they could activate and look to sell Mepham if - as things stand currently - he doesn't feature in the plans of boss Andoni Iraola.
It's too early to know whether Sunderland will push to make Mepham's loan deal permanent next summer, though the 26-year-old enjoyed a hugely impressive debut against Middlesbrough at the weekend.
Regardless, Mepham insists he isn't letting his mind wander to the future and is concentrating purely on the immediate challenges ahead on Wearside.
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"This is my final year (at Bournemouth) and I think the club have the option of next year," he said.
"I don't want to look too far ahead. I think naturally you keep it week by week because a lot can happen in a short period of time.
"Like I said, I think the most important thing for me at this stage of my career is just playing football and getting regular game time which is something I've probably missed over the last couple of years.
"All of that will look after itself but I think for me the most important thing is just getting game time, staying fit and staying injury-free.
"Of course, the most important thing is helping the team and trying to do as best I can for the football club."
Mepham found himself in an unfamiliar position last season. He'd been a regular for Bournemouth since joining from Brentford for £12m five years ago but lost his place in the side last term and made only 10 Premier League appearances.
"It's super, super tough not playing," he said.
"Again, you get some lads that might not be as affected. They might be happy to sit on their contracts but I think I've never been that way. I've never wanted to accept the position I'm in, sit on the bench and just see the season through.
"I'm at my happiest and most content in my life when I'm in the team playing football and it seems like all your problems kind of disappear.
"I think that's important and of course I like to think I've still got plenty of time on my side and if I can, like I said, get that regular game time I know that my levels will get higher and that can only help this club and help Wales when I do go away with them."
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