St Johnstone midfielder Kevin Moon turned down offers from at home and abroad to commit his future to his home town club.
Moon’s last deal was due to run out next month but Perth boss Steve Lomas has moved quickly to tie him up on an improved 18-month extension with a one-year option.
He was being coveted elsewhere, including a club from the Czech Republic, but sticking with Saints was always his first choice.
The 24-year-old, who has made 12 starts so far this season, said: ”I was delighted to get it sorted out. You try to concentrate on your football but it’s in the back of your mind whether you want it or not.”
He added: ”Getting three points against Dunfermline on Christmas Eve meant it was a great couple of days for me and long may it continue. It was never in doubt that I’d be staying.”
Lomas said: ”Mooner is a home-grown boy who lives locally and loves the club. I’m delighted to get him fixed up. He is a great lad.
”Jody Morris came back in and did well at Dunfermline but we have to have people like Mooner. I like his attitude towards the game. It’s great and he has good energy. I think he can improve and I want to help him.”
He added: ”Mooner isn’t just a holding player. There is a goal in him and he can change the play better.
”He could be more vocal and he isn’t the biggest but he has a big heart and we’re delighted to have him. He is going to continue to improve and prove a real asset to us.”
Skipper Morris returned from injury in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Dunfermline and suffered no reaction in his hamstring, so he should be back in action against Kilmarnock on Wednesday night.
He said: ”The hamstring feels fine. I came off at the end as a precaution. I feel that I can get a bit sharper, but that comes with games.”