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Manager Eddie Howe believes McCann has a real hunger to make up for the lost two seasons and said: "You usually get that reaction when you've missed a lot of football. You don't want to miss a day after you've been out for a long time. I've certainly experienced that, and you relish every day.
"When you can't do something that you love and that you can normally do without thinking about it, it certainly re-focuses your attention, and I think that can sometimes be a positive thing for the long term of your career.
"When you've had that injury, you appreciate every day and you make the most of every day. There are no doubts in our minds that his knee's fine."
Speaking about the new contract, he added: "We've been in discussions with Chris for a long time, even before he started training again to say there was going to be something there for him. The club were going to stand by him and look after him.
"Discussions have been ongoing for a period of time and we certainly hope Chris will stay. It's one of the biggest priorities that we have because he plays a big part, not just on the pitch but off the pitch in terms of his attitude and how he conducts himself."
With McCann evidently close to a deal I believe that Wade Elliott is also close to committing himself to the club beyond this season.
That would leave just Kevin McDonald, Steven Thompson and Remco van der Schaaf out of contract along with eight members of the development squad.