Wigan Athletic defender Paul Scharner has signed a twelve-month extension to his current contract, which will now expire in the summer of 2010.

The Austrian, who can also play in the midfield, has been impressive after moving to Latics in 2005 from Norwegian club SK Brann.

Scharner told the club's official website: "I feel that the club has really progressed over the last few months. They got the opportunity to appoint a really top coach and that is what happened when Steve Bruce arrived”.

"Now I feel the club has another opportunity to have a successful campaign this season and I want to be a part of that”.

"It is fantastic that we have managed to keep hold of the best performers in the team this summer and to bring in some real quality acquisitions. Now we all need to move forward together in the future and I am very happy to say I will be here to enjoy the ride!"