Ball starts a three-match suspension this week after accepting a Football Association charge of violent conduct following a stamp on Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo at the weekend.

However, manager Stuart Pearce has been impressed with the full-back's form after arriving from PSV Eindhoven on a short-term deal.

He has also been pleased at the way Ball publicly expressed his regret at the stamp during the 1-0 defeat by United and sent a personal apology to Ronaldo.

Pearce told the Manchester Evening News: "Michael has been fantastic since he's been with us.

"He has earned himself a new contract which we're hoping he'll sign this week.

"Michael probably got a little caught up in the derby atmosphere at the weekend.

"He was honest and genuine enough to step forward and say 'I was out of order.' He's put an apology in to the player, and I hope it's received in the right manner by Cristiano.

"We hope to move on from that, as we've always done. We let the authorities deal with any problems, whether on the pitch or with the Football Association. We've done the same again."