TIME is running out for Chris Baird to commit his future to Saints.

The FA Cup final hero's current contract expires at the end of this month, but he is yet to sign an offered one-year extension to that deal.

Baird was disappointed to be frozen out of the first-team last season after making such a positive impact in the 1-0 Cardiff defeat against Arsenal and is desperate for regular Premiership football.

It appears that he wants to know whether he is part of Paul Sturrock's plans for the new campaign before committing to the club.

"I want to stay here," he has said. "It is a fantastic club, I've been here six years and I don't want to leave.

"But if the contract is not right and I'm not happy, there is no point in staying. I want to play games."

Baird was recalled from a loan spell at Watford in the final week of last season as Saints were hit with a list of mounting injuries.

He was keen to be given the chance to impress and convince Sturrock that he can be the long-term successor to Jason Dodd as the club's right-back.

But other than a run-out for the reserve team, his only opportunity came when midfielder Anders Svensson limped off injured in the final game of the season at Charlton.

Born in Ballymena, the 22-year-old is a regular in the Northern Ireland international team and this week played for his country in their 2-0 win at St Kitts & Nevis.

For Saints, Baird has made just three starts, with five substitute appearances - he has made more starts for his country than he has for his club.

Saints, meanwhile, have denied reports that they are poised to make a move for Liverpool's Vladimir Smicer.

The 31-year-old Czech Republic international is currently preparing for Euro 2004.

He arrived at Liverpool for £4.2m in 1999 from Lens and has scored 10 goals in more than 100 appearances.

Saints have this week also denied reported interest in Everton's Tomasz Radzinski and Middlesbrough's Jonathan Greening.

Former Saints boss Stuart Gray, currently a coach at relegated Wolves, has signed a two-year contract extension at Molineux.