New deal gives Camara added focus

Wigan manager Paul Jewell believes he has turned Henri Camara into one of the most dangerous strikers in the Premiership.

Senegal international Camara has pledged his future to the Latics by signing a new three-year deal which keeps him at the JJB Stadium until 2009.

"When he has a smile on his face, he plays with a spring in his step and gives his all, he is as dangerous as any striker in the division," said Jewell. "I seriously rate him that highly."

Jewell believes a happy, settled Camara is the key to getting the best from a player who had been linked to Portsmouth and Newcastle over the summer.

But after an unhappy time at Wolves and loan spells at Southampton and Celtic, Camara now appears to be at ease at Wigan.

"I think when Henri Camara is settled, he is twice the player," added Jewell.

"He came back for pre-season with fantastic hunger and he has looked so sharp in training."

Camara, who scored 12 goals in 30 league appearances last season to help Wigan finish 10th on their debut in the Premiership, admits to a number of factors as to why he put pen to paper.

"In my mind I have never wanted to leave," said the 29-year-old.

"I am happy at Wigan and I am playing the best football of my career, while I am also settled in the area and I have a good relationship with the supporters."