The 33-year-old has been with the club since June and if he does put pen to paper, will join Justin Pasfield in battling for the number one slot.

With the A-League just days away Ferguson is keen to complete contract formalities.

Should Henderson make the unlikely decision to turn down a stay then the boss needs to look elsewhere and urgently now needs a second keeper before the season starts.

Ferguson told the Townsville Bulletin: ''I have given Hendo until this weekend - they're off this weekend - and I would like an answer ASAP and I told him that.

''I told him if there is no answer by Monday, then we'll be moving elsewhere.''

Should he land his man, Ferguson will then have to tell his two keepers which one has got the nod for the A-League opener against Sydney FC. He admits he has already decided but has yet to tell the men with the gloves.