Jason Puncheon revealed after last night’s Stamford Bridge heroics that he hopes to sign a new contract at Saints.

The winger completed a remarkable comeback against Chelsea, lashing a late volley into the top corner to earn Nigel Adkins’ men a 2-2 draw away to the European champions.

Puncheon has now scored five times this season and has established himself as a key component in the Saints side.

The 26-year-old is out of contract this summer, however, with a new deal yet to be signed.

But Puncheon declared last night that he wants to be back at Saints next season.

“I’m hoping to be, I’m happy here, and that’s the most important thing,” he said.

Puncheon would not disclose whether negotiations had begun, adding: “I can just say that I’m happy here and that’s all I can say, and what will be dealt with will be dealt with internally.”

Given his form this season, it would certainly be a surprise if Saints did not want him back.

Puncheon, who said he is “absolutely buzzing” with the way his campaign is panning out, capped the latest in a string of fine performances last night with a spectacular goal.

Since being welcomed back into the Saints fold a year ago, following the end of a rocky relationship with the club’s hierarchy, the midfielder has emerged as a potent attacking threat.

He admits that is something he has worked hard on to improve.

“I get in the positions to score, and I always knew I needed to prove it, and obviously to get to the next level – and this is the Premier League – you’ve got to do that and that’s what I’m doing now,” he said.

Speaking of his goal at Chelsea, he added: “The ball bounced up and I thought keep it in the air and just hit it on the volley and I’ve done that and it’s gone in.”

Puncheon felt Saints deserved the draw and showed strong character to fight back from their half-time deficit.

“It was great to get the point, especially being 2-0 down at half-time and that’s what we’ve got from it,” he said.

“It was harsh (to be 2-0 down at the break), especially two quick goals like that, but the main thing is we got something from the game.

“I felt we were confident and we took that into the second half and obviously got the point.”