Naismith extends contract with EFC

STEVEN Naismith said he had never felt more wanted than during his time at Everton Football Club as he signed a three-year extension to his contract.

The deal keeps the Scottish forward at Goodison until the summer of 2019.

The 28-year-old has scored six times for Roberto Martinez's Blues this season, including strikes against Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.

Naismith, who arrived at Goodison in 2012, said: “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; hopefully there’s more to come."

He added: "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."