O’Flynn revealed that a burning desire to win silverware with Cork City and an effort to repay the fans for their loyalty and support were two of the main reasons why he signed the new contract.

O'Flynn told the Evening Echo: “Even when there was much speculation about whether or not I would leave Cork at the end of the season the fans still stayed loyal to me and that meant an awful lot.

“The likelihood is that I will go back to England at some stage but moving to Cork City has been the best move of my life so far and I’m hoping that staying for an extra year will help repay the debt I feel I owe the fans.”

O’Flynn’s manager, Pat Dolan, was naturally delighted with the striker’s decision to remain in Cork and could hardly contain his enthusiasm at the breaking news.

“I am thrilled that Johnny wants to stay with us. I know he has had tempting offers from other clubs but I am also absolutely sure that he will now go on to become a full international one day,” said Dolan.

After a disappointing spell in English football O’Flynn returned to his home in Cobh and his acquisition by City has been one of the coups of the eircom League in recent seasons.

The player himself has seen the Cork club evolve since joining them and a desire to continue to work with Pat Dolan was also a reason for him to sign the extension.

“Cork City has been transformed as a football club since Pat Dolan arrived and it is now, in my opinion, an excellent club at which I can further develop my career.

“Our recent results in Europe are a great indicator of the potential that this club has and being from Cork, I want to be a part of a team that will bring some silverware back to the city,” said the striker.

O’Flynn also revealed that he also has a desire to return to England at some stage to try his career there but not before his ambitions are sated by winning some trophies with Cork.

“We are becoming a formidable outfit, you can see that by our results in Europe and now we have to transfer that form into our league campaign.

“Pat is constantly looking to improve the squad and the club and after talking to him and learning of his plans that made my mind up to sign the extension.

“We are constantly adding quality players like Joe Gamble and I am sure that a few more additions will be made in time and that can only help us become a stronger team.

“Playing in Europe with Cork has been the highlight of my career so far but, with all respect, we’re not going to go on and win the UEFA Cup and I want to win trophies.

“That means winning our league and/or the FAI Cup and that is what the fans deserve and that is what I want to help deliver.

“I am loving my time with Cork. I love working with Pat and I am improving as a player all the time I’m here.

“Cork has been good to me. The club and the fans have always been behind me and this is a way for me to repay them that support.”