EDDIE Howe told of his delight after Mark Gillespie extended his stay at Newcastle United.

Gillespie's contract was due to expire this summer but the Magpies have activated an option to extend his deal by a year until the end of next season.

The 32-year-old, a United academy graduate who rejoined the club from Motherwell in 2020, will continue to provide backup between the posts.

Gillespie's new deal follows the confirmed exit of Loris Karius as Newcastle's goalkeeper department starts to take shape. Key decisions are still to come, with the future of Martin Dubravka to be resolved.

The 35-year-old has one year left to run on his current contract but could drop down the pecking order this summer, with United said to be in the market for another goalkeeper to rival Nick Pope. Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale is said to be one of those on the club's radar.

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Gillespie will be reliable back-up if needed next season but is also a key figure behind the scenes.

Howe said: “Mark’s attitude to his work and his consistency are of the highest order.

“He continues to set an example in how he trains, plays and supports his teammates, and that’s a hugely important component in any squad. I’m delighted to have him with us.”

The goalkeeper added: “I’m delighted to be extending my contract into next season. This is the club I grew up supporting and it’s a hugely exciting time to be a part of it.

“We have a brilliant group in the dressing room and at the training ground, and it’s a great environment to work in. I’m already looking forward to pre-season and to getting back onto the grass.”

Gillespie has made three senior appearances for Newcastle and was on the bench for 13 competitive games this season.

He came off the bench in the recent friendly with Tottenham in Australia and was the penalty shoot-out hero as the Magpies beat their Premier League rivals.

Howe said afterwards: "The work this guy has put in this season has been incredible.

"Too often we talk about the guys who are playing and not those who aren't playing but contribute so much. Mark is one of those.

"His attitude is ridiculous every day. He's always there for the players and you need a goalkeeper who is going to be there and be as consistent as Mark is. I'm so pleased Mark got this experience. There are a lot of players like Mark within the squad who characterise our success."