Last Updated: Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:36
Mark Hughes has confirmed that he will not be rushed into holding talks aimed at getting Blackburn's David Bentley to sign a new deal.
The Rovers boss witnessed the 23-year-old former Arsenal man produce another excellent performance as his ten-men defeated local Lancashire rivals Wigan 3-1 at Ewood Park on Saturday thanks to a Roque Santa Cruz brace and one from Jason Roberts.
However weekend reports have again linked Bentley with a move away as Liverpool are reported summer suitors, but Hughes insists he will not be hurried into negotiations.
He said: "I am not worried about the situation. David has three years remaining on his present contract, so there is no rush to sign a new deal.
"We offered him a new contract as a reward for what he has done this season. We recognise his progress and standing in the game.
"I know he is happy here and he realises he is not yet the finished article."
Meanwhile Hughes hopes Bentley will now become David Beckham's successor in the England side once he has secured his 100th cap in France on Wednesday night.
"At some point David Beckham will leave the international scene and we hope David Bentley will replace him.
"He loves being involved with England. He's worked hard to get to the position where's he viewed as an England international, which is the case now.
"I think he's gone from being a squad player to being a viable starter in many positions for England.
"That's credit to him and that's because he's worked extremely hard at his game. "When you do that as a player, you get your rewards."