BLUES boss Phil Brown has revealed midfielder Gary Deegan is still very close to signing a new contract with the club.

The tough tackling Irishman has yet to sign a deal for the forthcoming season.

But Brown believes Deegan and other members of the squad will soon put pen to paper.

“Deegan is still very close,” said Brown.

“I’m waiting on Steve Kavanagh to come back from his summer break and hopefully when he does the paper can be drafted up for Gary Deegan to sign.

“We’ve also offered new contracts to one or two others already in the camp and hope to announce something regarding that soon.”