Holloway - Barker belongs to us

Blackpool boss hails Derby target's attitude

Last updated: 4th July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Holloway - Barker belongs to us

Barker: Derby target

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Ian Holloway has applauded the attitude of Shaun Barker and made it clear that Derby will have to match their valuation of the defender.

Blackpool have already rejected an offer from the Rams as they hold out for a transfer fee closer to £1million.

Nigel Clough has expressed a reluctance to meet such an asking price but is considering making another bid for the 26-year-old.

Seasiders manager Holloway would like Barker to stay at Bloomfield Road and has been impressed by the way he has kept his focus since returning to pre-season training.

"He was fantastic in training, he is a fantastic lad - and you don't get them cheap and you don't get them easy," Holloway said in the Derby Evening Telegraph.

"The club have worked with him over the last few years to make him what he is now and he knows that.

"Somewhere along the line, we are all going to benefit.

"I don't need to be assured that Shaun's happy. He has signed a contract and put very, very simply, he belongs to us.

"He is a very professional lad and he is going to play well for us - and he needs to play well right now because we have actually shown our hand and said 'yes, you can have him for X amount'."