Elliott decides to stay

Elliott's decision is a big boost for the Foxes

Leicester captain Matt Elliott has agreed to extend his current contract with the club.

The 32-year-old Scotland centre-half has been the subject of recent interest from his former Foxes boss Martin O'Neill at Celtic.

But Elliott has ended speculation about his immediate future with a one-year extension to his current agreement.

It will keep him at the club until June 2005.

I've enjoyed every minute here and was keen to stay

Matt Elliott

Over the weekend Elliott turned down Leicester's initial offer, but following further talks a deal has been struck.

"It was flattering that a club the size of Celtic, playing in the Champions League, should come in for me," said Elliott. "But it never became an issue."

"The main issue was that Leicester came to me before Celtic and that was my main concern.

"I've enjoyed every minute here and was keen to stay. The club wanted me to stay so the feeling is mutual.

"This new contract will take me up to near the end of my career and it is nice to have things sorted before the start of the season."

Despite the arrival of experienced midfielder Dennis Wise from Chelsea, Elliott will continue to wear the captain's armband.

Peter Taylor said: "The events over the weekend were only a hiccup.

"We are delighted Matt has signed a new contract. It is really positive news two days before the start of the season.

"He has been rewarded for his effort. To be honest he would have taken some replacing."