Blues can today confirm that Mehdi Nafti  will remain part of the squad for next season after the club exercised its right to extend the midfielder's contract for another year.

The Tunisian international's deal was due to expire this summer but he will now be staying until at least 2009.

Boss Alex McLeish is delighted to have secured the services of the 29-year-old as he looks to build a squad capable of bringing the club straight back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

"Mehdi has a good pedigree and is an international player," said McLeish, talking exclusively to www.bcfc.com.

"He is not afraid to take the ball and that's the type of player I'd like to have at Birmingham City.

"He's a great character and brings a good spirit to the dressing room.

"He trains the way he plays, he gives everything in training and everything on a matchday.

"Mehdi is the type of player that I identify with and want to bring into the club."

Meanwhile youngsters Jared Wilson and James McPike have both agreed new one-year contracts.

Nineteen-year-old full-back Wilson has made 10 reserve team appearances this season having come up through the youth ranks.

Another Academy recruit, striker McPike, also 19, has missed much of this season through injury but now has another 12 months to impress.

As soon as we have any news on the other out-of-contract members of the squad, we will bring it to you here on www.bcfc.com.