Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has declared he wants to keep Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink after the Dutchman scored in yesterday's 2-0 win over West Ham.
A fortnight ago the Dutchman had revealed that no-one from Boro had approached him with regard the possibility of signing a new contract, and every indication was that his days were numbered.
But given his scoring spree of late, McClaren said: "Most definitely we will be sitting down with Jimmy at the end of the season, whatever happens.
"I've great respect for him, but then I had great respect before I worked with him. I've even more respect now.
"He is a fantastic pro who has done really well for this club over the last two years.
"When he is out on the training pitch he works as hard as anybody, and he is very disappointed when he doesn't play in games.
"But he is always ready to play, and you can sum Jimmy up with what has happened since the turn of the year.
"There was disappointment he wasn't playing in December, but he kept going and he is getting his rewards.
"I hope he is rewarded at the end of the season with something to show for what he has done."
McClaren likened Hasselbaink to a star he worked with during his time as assistant-manager at Manchester United - Roy Keane.
"Jimmy is a winner, and players like him are a rare breed," added McClaren.
"He is like Roy Keane. He just wants to win, be it five-a-sides or anything.
"They don't think about the future. They just want to win every game and in every situation.
"Jimmy is that kind of person, so he will give his all no matter where he is.
"He knows he is playing for a contract somewhere, and for us right now he is certainly doing the business."
Hasselbaink's opener came four minutes before the break, with Massimo Maccarone on target from the penalty spot in the 57th minute to complete the win.
A fortnight ago the Dutchman had revealed that no-one from Boro had approached him with regard the possibility of signing a new contract, and every indication was that his days were numbered.
But given his scoring spree of late, McClaren said: "Most definitely we will be sitting down with Jimmy at the end of the season, whatever happens.
"I've great respect for him, but then I had great respect before I worked with him. I've even more respect now.
"He is a fantastic pro who has done really well for this club over the last two years.
"When he is out on the training pitch he works as hard as anybody, and he is very disappointed when he doesn't play in games.
"But he is always ready to play, and you can sum Jimmy up with what has happened since the turn of the year.
"There was disappointment he wasn't playing in December, but he kept going and he is getting his rewards.
"I hope he is rewarded at the end of the season with something to show for what he has done."
McClaren likened Hasselbaink to a star he worked with during his time as assistant-manager at Manchester United - Roy Keane.
"Jimmy is a winner, and players like him are a rare breed," added McClaren.
"He is like Roy Keane. He just wants to win, be it five-a-sides or anything.
"They don't think about the future. They just want to win every game and in every situation.
"Jimmy is that kind of person, so he will give his all no matter where he is.
"He knows he is playing for a contract somewhere, and for us right now he is certainly doing the business."
Hasselbaink's opener came four minutes before the break, with Massimo Maccarone on target from the penalty spot in the 57th minute to complete the win.
