Bannan 'Turned Down Preston'

After capturing Barry Bannan until the end of the season, it's come to light that the Seasiders beat off competition from their fierce rivals, Preston, to land the teenager.

Bannan has been in good form for 'Pool since moving from Aston Villa in November.

The deal, considering the other teams chasing the midfielder, shows the progress the club has made under Ian Holloway.

The manager was delighted to have Barry here for the rest of the campaign: 'I thank Martin O'Neill for that, plus Barry as I know Preston were looking at taking him.

'He told me he doesn't want to go there, he would rather stay with us.'

'Barry Bannan is enjoying what we are doing here. When he has not been picked in my side he has been told why and he has reacted positively each time by doing something about it.

'My job is to make him ready to play for Aston Villa which I think he definitely will eventually and while he does that I want him to play for us and shine for us.

'I believe he can do more for us than he has done at the moment and I am on his case. He is getting used to what I am asking him to do and he seems to be enjoying it here.'

Whether Barry will get his chance at Villa Park remains to be seen, as his contract is up at the end of the season.

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