Blackpool have been boosted by Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan's decision to extend his loan until the end of the season. Villa boss Martin O'Neill has now given the 20 year old permission to stay at Bloomfield Road for the remainder of the campaign.

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway said: "Our close neighbours (Preston) wanted him but he doesn't want to go there.

"He wants to play for us and I think he's enjoying what we're doing. My job is to make him play for Aston Villa which I think he can do eventually."