NATHAN CLARKE gave victorious Town another huge tonic today when he revealed he can't wait to sign a new contract at the Galpharm.

The 21-year-old centre-back gave another man-of-the-match display in Saturday's 3-1 home win against MK Dons which lifted Peter Jackson's side to seventh in the League I table.

Scouts from Blackburn Rovers, Tottenham, Everton and Middlesbrough watched Clarke and Co romp home with goals from Pawel Abbott (2) and Junior Mendes.

Clarke, who has just bought a house with his girlfriend in Honley, explained: "The manager took me on one side at training on Friday and, at first, told me he was dropping me for the MK Dons game!

"I couldn't believe it and stood there wondering what was going on, and then he started smiling and said he was only joking - he wanted myself and my agents to talk about a new contract.

"Getting a new deal sorted is something I can't wait to do and I was delighted when the gaffer mentioned it.

"I'm getting on the property ladder, so to speak, and things are going well at the club, so it's exciting times all round."