MARK Hughes insists David Dunn and Chris Samba have buried the hatchet after they were involved in an angry confrontation during last week's 2-1 defeat at West Ham.

The pair squared up to each other and appeared to exchange words after Samba was partly to blame for Dean Ashton's first half equaliser, and team-mate David Bentley later revealed the argument carried on in the dressing room at half-time.

However, Hughes has since put the row down to frustration, and did not feel the need to take action against the pair.

"I think at the time a little bit of frustration was shown, and there was a little bit of a disagreement, but that happens time and time again," said Hughes.

"It's not something I've felt I've needed to address. At the time, the situation was we were in control of the game and we allowed them to get back on level terms, and that was the frustration of that particular situation.

"But I've not seen anything since in training that I think would affect the team detrimentally, so I've not given it a great deal of thought."

Meanwhile, Hughes insists he is also relaxed over Bentley's contract situation, even though the midfielder hinted earlier this week he may not sign a new deal.

"We are still talking," said Hughes. "There's no urgency from our point of view. He's contracted to the club for the next three years or so but we would like it be resolved, just to show our understanding of David's progress.

"He's done well this year, he's a full international, and we've instigated contract talks to try to reward him for that.

"He's got advisers around him who will look at things, and at some point, I'm sure he will sign the contract.

"But we are not unduly worried about the timescale of it because we've got contract protection anyway."