HANDS UP IF YOU WANT TO STAY

ALAN BENNETT wants to extend his Cork City contract for another season as he can’t get enough of a good thing. The Rebels skipper, left, who turned 36 this month, led the Leesiders to the league title on Tuesday night and is now eyeing the double. Bennett won the league with Cork in 2005 before moving to England where he spent nine years, only to rejoin his hometown club in 2015. Sensing that their FAI Cup final win over arch rivals Dundalk last season was a turning point, Bennett signed on for this year. And, having clinched another league medal, he is eager to defend that crown in 2018 but says the decision is out of his hands. Bennett said: “It would be hard to walk away when the team is going so well and also with Champions League football to look forward to. “John Caulfield would have to answer that but, personally, I would love to stay on for another year as I feel good but it’s out of my hands.” Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mark Mcnulty insists he never doubted Cork would win the title despite their wobbles. “I know people have been thinking it’s a long time coming but it’s difficult to get over the line,” said Mcnulty who, like Bennett, is a club stalwart. “You have to give Dundalk a lot of credit as they pushed us all the way. They’re a good side and I can’t wait to lock horns in the cup final. “But there’s no better way to win the league than at home in front of a full house. I don’t think doubt ever crept in.” Mcnulty added: “We just knew we would win the league. We didn’t want to come out and say it, instead we played it down. “But whether it was by one point or 20 points, we knew we would win it.”