Football
Mike Whalley 9y

Steven Naismith signs new three-year contract with Everton

Everton forward Steven Naismith has signed a three-year contract extension to keep him at Goodison Park until 2019.

The Scotland international moved to Merseyside on a free transfer in 2012 after leaving Scottish club Rangers.

He started his career in Scotland with Kilmarnock, then spent five years at Rangers before David Moyes signed him for the Toffees.

But he says he has felt "more wanted" at the club recently, having established himself as a regular under current boss Roberto Martinez.

The 28-year-old told Everton's website: "I think I have felt more wanted in recent times than at the start of my Everton career. Confidence has grown, I have put in some good performances and we have had a successful time as a team as well.

"I would say it is probably the best form of my career. I understand the game more, I understand what the manager is wanting from me and I have played in a few different roles and contributed in those roles. It's definitely the most consistent I have been."

Naismith, who has scored six times for his club and once for his country this season, returned after five matches out with a hamstring injury to get Everton's third goal as they beat QPR 3-1 in the Premier League on Monday night.

He added: "I am so happy here. From the moment I signed my first contract here it wasn't long before I saw what a great club it was.

"Over the months and years it has progressed into a fantastic move for myself on and off the park. I am delighted to have agreed an extension which will keep me here for a few more years yet.

"When you come to the last 18 months of your contract, negotiations start happening and it was pretty relaxed and straightforward because I have loved my time here and this season and last season you have seen the best of me; I hope there's more to come."

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