BLACKBURN Rovers are considering offering Stephen Warnock a new contract.

Manager Mark Hughes has been delighted by the way the defender has settled in at Rovers since his £1.5 million move from Liverpool in January and, in line with the club's long-term strategy, he is considering rewarding the 25-year-old for his progress in the shape of a new deal.

A Rovers source said: "The strategy of the club is to hold onto what they have got and that means extending contracts with various players, and rewarding others for their progress."

Warnock only signed a three and a half year contract in January, but that deal reflected the fact he was only a fringe player at his previous club, and he has since surpassed all expectations.

Rovers pride themselves on rewarding players for their progress and Chris Samba, David Bentley and Ryan Nelsen have all benefited from renegotiated deals in the past.