Steven Naismith, Everton Agree on New Contract: Latest Details, Reaction

Everton midfielder Steven Naismith has put pen to paper on a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2019, the Toffees announced on Wednesday.   

The Merseyside club broke the news via Twitter:

The Scotland international declared his joy at committing to the club for the foreseeable future, and he was brutally honest about the difficult start he went through when he first arrived at Goodison Park in 2012, per the Toffees' official website:

"

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. [...]

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.

"

Naismith moved to Everton from Glasgow Rangers in 2012 and struggled initially under David Moyes, often forced to play in a wide role or not playing at all. Appearing more in a central role under new manager Roberto Martinez, he quickly established himself as one of the club's best attacking weapons.

The 28-year-old attacking midfielder, who can also play as a forward, has scored five goals in 13 total Premier League appearances this season, according to WhoScored.com.

The Blue Room's Peter Mcpartland can't think of a more deserving player to receive the extension than the Scot:

Naismith has struggled with a hamstring problem in 2014 but made a fantastic return to the pitch against Queens Park Rangers on Monday. The Liverpool Echo's Greg O'Keeffe believes his performance in that match illustrated how vital he has become for Roberto Martinez's side:

The Scot always appeared likely to stay with the Toffees, but locking him up to a new long-term deal just before the January transfer window constitutes a smart piece of business by Everton.

Both Naismith and the club won't have to worry about his long-term future, ensuring this successful partnership continues beyond next year's winter window.    

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