Midfielder Owen Garvan says his Town future was never in doubt after signing his new deal with the Blues. The Irishman has agreed a contract which will take him up to 2011, as has striker Pablo Couñago.

Garvan said: "I knew I was here to next summer on my old contract, so there was no rush and there were a few things to make sure were right.

"But it is a relief that it is now out of the way and I am delighted to have signed.

"This is where I want to be and it is all good. I have read reports of Premier League clubs being interested in me, but I have heard nothing.”

Couñago is similarly pleased to have settled his future: "I am pleased to have signed a new deal that keeps me at the club until 2011. This is where I want to be and where I want to play my football.”

Meanwhile, Wigan boss Steve Bruce watched the Blues in action last night and left the ground as soon as Danny Haynes was replaced. Bruce has been eyeing Haynes and team-mate Jon Walters since pre-season a year ago when he was with Birmingham.

Walters missed last night's game as he is in the North-West with his wife Joanne expected to give birth to their second child later this week. Stoke City have been strongly linked with a move for the Republic of Ireland B international, who it is rumoured would favour a move back to his native North-West.

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