Chris Shields signs new long-term contract with Dundalk FC

Midfielder Chris Shields has agreed a new long-term contract with Dundalk FC, the club have confirmed.

In his eighth season at the club, since joining from Bray Wanderers in 2012, the 28-year-old becomes the latest Dundalk player to be tied down to a lengthy contract, following Michael Duffy and Patrick McEleney.

The Dubliner has won every domestic honour at least once with the Lilywhites, winning four league titles, two FAI Cups and a pair of League Cups, as well as being an integral part of the Oriel Park's magical European run of 2016.

Last year's double-winning campaign was arguably the No.5's finest and he was recognised in being named SSE Airtricity League Player of the Year.

Speaking on his new deal, Shields - who has made over 250 appearances for Dundalk - said: “It’s great to get it done. It is something I wanted to get sorted over the past few weeks but with the schedule of games that we have had I had to wait to get that out of the way but it’s the right time to do it.

“I have had great years here at the club. We have won many trophies, cups, leagues and everything in the past few seasons. My progression as a player only helps with the players around me.

“We have always had a fantastic squad and it’s a privilege to be part of it."

Head coach Vinny Perth added: “It’s brilliant for the club. I remember back to the so called dark days when we stayed in the league through the playoff and Chris was captain that day. He has achieved wonderful things since then.

“The challenge for Chris is to keep going. I keep saying to him that there is no ceiling to his talent and seven years ago not many people would think he would have achieved what he has achieved right now.

“He wants to continue and improving. He has done that every year. He has added different facets to his game. I hope this new contract and the security that we have given him will give him the confidence to go forward, to kick on again.

“He gets better all the time. It is predominantly down to him and all of the hard work that he puts in on the training ground. Myself and Stephen (Kenny) took him in as a utility centre half, as a bit of cover, during that first year.

“It’s hard to believe that is what we were thinking back then! What he has done at this club has been phenomenal. He has had some great nights here and some great European adventures. I don’t want him to think that this is done yet.

“I want him to keep dreaming of having big nights. He has the mindset to keep going.”

Shields has recently recovered from injury to reclaim his place in Dundalk's starting XI. 

The champions face Shamrock Rovers in Oriel Park tomorrow night seeking to stretch their winning league run to four matches.