The Irish midfielder suffered a serious knee injury on the opening day of the season against Ipswich.
A trio of substitute appearances have provided welcome relief at the end of an arduous rehabilitation programme, and Flood is now ready to claim a starting berth against the club where he spent three years following a ?200,000 move from Manchester City.
"I'd love to keep playing for Middlesbrough next season - I love the club and the area," Flood told the South Wales Echo.
"Everybody at Boro, especially the medical staff, were brilliant with me when I was injured. My family are settled in the area and we want to stay.
"I'd love to start against Cardiff, impress as much as I can and if that's good enough to help me get a new deal I'll be delighted."
Source: PA
Source: PA