Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan believes that midfielder Ben Watson is fully deserving of his new contract at the DW Stadium.

Watson's current deal had been due to expire in the summer, but the midfielder, who scored the winning goal against Manchester City in last season's FA Cup final, has agreed to remain at the Championship side until 2015.

Whelan is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "We want to give him a chance to get fit and back in contention.

"He's absolutely delighted and it's what he deserves because he's been a great servant to the club."

The 28-year-old will sit out the remainder of the season after breaking his leg against Barnsley last month.