David Fox is hoping to tie up an extended stay with Colchester United, by signing a new deal later in the week.

Classy midfielder Fox’s initial short-term contract expires next week, with this Friday night’s FA Cup third round tie at Cardiff City set to be the last game of that deal.

But the 31-year-old has been a regular in the U’s starting line-up, since his arrival as a free agent on October 6, on a three-month package.

He has been offered a new contract by the Essex club, and Fox is prepared to stay and help the U’s to pull away from the League One relegation zone over the coming months.

“I hope to stay longer,” insisted Fox, following Sunday’s goalless draw at Crawley Town.

“I’m not sure of the exact situation at the minute, but it will probably sort itself out during the week.

“I’m sure we will get it all done then.

“Cardiff is the last game of my current deal, so hopefully something can be sorted out after that.

“I’m enjoying playing football here, and I’m enjoying the responsibility.

“It’s never nice losing games, but the last couple of performances have been really enjoyable to play in (against Gillingham, and at Crawley).

“We’ve passed the ball and we’ve created chances,” added Fox.

The U’s have been unable to kick on, following their pre-Christmas 1-0 victory at fellow strugglers Yeovil Town, despite a couple of impressive displays against the Gills and the Red Devils.

Tony Humes’ men suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Gillingham on Boxing Day, having had two goals disallowed for offside and also hitting the woodwork through Gavin Massey’s early shot.

And at Broadfield Stadium on Sunday, the U’s hit the woodwork on four occasions, as well as having another goal ruled out for offside, in a frustrating 0-0 draw.

As a result, the U’s remain stuck in the relegation zone.

“The draw at Crawley was frustrating, because that’s two games in a row in which we have totally dominated, and unfortunately we have only got one point from them,” continued Fox.

“The Yeovil game wasn’t by any means a pretty game, but we won, and the last couple have been completely the opposite.

“We have completely dominated the ball, hit the woodwork many times and had several goals disallowed.

“But the luck is not quite with us at the moment.

“At least we didn’t lose the game, especially after losing the previous game, and it is a point away from home.

“In fact, playing away might suit us a little more at the moment, with the way we play.

“With the chances we are creating, I think it’s only a matter of time before we start getting a few wins.

“There have been plenty of positives to take from the last two games. I think the team is improving and that we are getting there.

“But we also know that we are in a scrap and that at times we will have to roll our sleeves up, because of where we are in the league.”

Fox will play the 15th and final game of his current deal at Cardiff this Friday, hoping to guide the U’s into the fourth round of the FA Cu