Clarke: I've done all I can

Derby County midfielder Ben Davies has signed a new one-year contract.

Davies was due to become a free agent at the end of the season, but after a campaign in which he scored five goals in 26 appearances, boss Nigel Clough was keen for him to stay.

The 31-year-old joined the Rams from League 1 side Notts County during the January 2011 transfer window for an undisclosed fee.

Clough said: "We are pleased Ben is going to be sticking around for another year. He's been an important player for us, especially in the second half of the season when we've started with him and when he's come off the bench in games.

"Ben understands he might not be starting single every week, but he appreciates how highly we value him and knows he can still have an impact on the side.

"On numerous occasions this season, we've seen Ben's versatility; he's played right across midfield and also in both full-back positions as well, so if there's an emergency we know he's capable of doing that job.

"He never moaned about it either, he just got on with his job and that's what we like about him. We didn't involve him early in the season but that wasn't anything against him. But what Ben did was keep his head down and work his way back into the side.

"He is a fit lad so there are no doubts on that front, his attitude is exemplary and he's a great player to have around the place."

The Lions are in the hunt for a new boss following the departure of long-serving Kenny Jackett earlier this week.

Paul Dickov and Marc Bircham are among those linked with the vacancy, but Ambler insists the club will not even draw up a shortlist until next week.

He told the club's official website: "The process is ongoing.

"We're aware of widespread reports in the media but I'd like to clarify to supporters that we are yet to approach anybody about the position left after Kenny's resignation.

"Naturally, there will be speculation, and as a Board we've been enthused by the number and quality of applicants that have put their names forward so far.

"But that is only as far as it has got. It's still just a matter of days since the process began and the club will take all the time it needs to find the appropriate person to fill the vacancy."

A long-running saga was reignited this week when the outspoken Nigerian gave an unauthorised interview to a local newspaper re-emphasising his grievances with the club and his desire to leave.

The issue has been the biggest headache of Clarke's first season in charge of Albion, a generally successful campaign which has seen the team in the top half of the Barclays Premier League throughout.

Odemwingie looks destined to move on this summer after relations broke down following his failed bid to force a move to QPR in January and a series of ill-advised Twitter outbursts.

The 31-year-old striker told the Birmingham Mail on Friday that he is "90 per cent sure that it's best for me to leave" after underlining his complaints about the club and the supporters who are now on his back.

Clarke has kept Odemwingie involved in the squad despite the ongoing soap opera and said: "I've stuck by him because he's talented.

"He's a talented player and I need as many talented players as I've got in my squad.

"I think over the last four months I've done as much I can to put up with it. The situation will be resolved in the summer and really I hope that's the last time we speak of it because the situation should be resolved in the summer.

"I don't know (if he has to go). I'm the head coach and I'll deal with the players I've got next season but for now, let's try to move on from it."

Clarke again sought to play down suggestions the latest interview was another sensational outburst.

"I didn't think it was 'sensational'," he said. "I just read it quickly before this press conference and I didn't see anything in the article that he hasn't told me over the last few months anyway.

"To be honest over the last four months he hasn't really played for my side. He's been in and around the place but his contribution since January has been very, very little.

"The disappointment for me is that before January, when he was fit and available, I think he played over 70 per cent of the games, produced good performances and scored goals.

"And in the second half of the season I haven't had that player, so that's the disappointing thing for me as a coach."

There has been some suggestion Odemwingie has been unhappy at being played out of position at times but Clarke gave that short shrift.

"He can put down whatever he wants (as the reason)," said the head coach. "When he was playing, when he was in the team and was happy and fit and available before the January episode, his performances didn't show that he was unhappy playing in any position that I asked him to play in."

Clarke's attention now turns to Sunday's trip to struggling Norwich, where he hopes to have captain Chris Brunt back in contention following a knee injury.

Gabriel Tamas is expected to be available despite needing stitches to a head wound in the defeat by Manchester City in midweek while striker Marc-Antoine Fortune serves the final game of a three-match ban.