Carlton speedster Chris Yarran has signed a new two-year deal with the AFL club.

The 21-year-old running defender, taken at No.6 in the 2008 draft, said he had never thought of heading elsewhere despite speculation he was a Greater Western Sydney target.

“I always knew I wanted to stay at Carlton and I didn’t buy into any of that stuff in the media,” Yarran told the club’s website.

“I’m very happy in Melbourne and we just had to get the right deal done.”

Yarran’s show of faith was a much-needed dose of good news for the Blues, after last round’s big loss to North Melbourne and captain Chris Judd’s four-match suspension.

But the rebounding backman said the 12th-placed Blues had not given up hope of a late surge and finals qualification.

“We just need to get a few of the guys back in and playing consistently,” he said.