Fergie signs five-year contract at Newcastle.

Highly-rated Northern Ireland international Shane Ferguson has signed a new five-year contract with the club today.

Young Fergie is most definitely one of the brighter prospects on our books at the moment and has impressed when called upon throughout this campaign. That will hopefully mean that he is likely to play a more important role next season and can expect to be rewarded with more playing time with the first team.

At only 19-years-old he is far from the finished article, but I've noticed that he seems to have the maturity of someone much much older. You don't hear about Shane dicking around with guns and other stuff do you?

Despite his mature attitude he still plays with the "no fear" attitude that you can sometimes expect from a youth player. He has slotted into the first team with ease and has been one of the better players on the pitch in a number of his limited appearances such as in the Stoke and West Brom games.

Fergie told the club website:

"I'm really happy. I've enjoyed this season so much and the new contract has just been the icing on the cake for me. It's a great thrill to play for the club and the support I've had from the fans since making my debut really means a lot so I'm just delighted to be with Newcastle for the next five years now."

Once again the club have moved to secure one of our brighter talents to a long term deal. I can see a pattern emerging....

Ferguson won't turn 20 until July so he has plenty of years left in the tank. Speaking of tanks, he needs to fill his up with a good bit of grub as he looks about the size of a 12-year-old. No matter though as his performances have mainly been top drawer.

What I don't want to see is Fergie pushed from pillar to post in terms of his position. Yes he may be versatile, but I'm not a fan of versatile players as they often get shoved into positions which aren't natural to them. If he is a left-back, play him at left-back. If he is a left-midfielder, play him in left-midfield. Let him excel in his preferred position.

Hopefully Shane can continue to grow (literally!) and can continue to show his undoubted talent. He seems to have his head screwed on the right way and seems willing to learn from people, which are fine characteristics to possess for a young lad trying to make his way in the game

Nile Ranger take note!