James McArthur has been rewarded for his early season form by signing a contract extension at Palace until the end of the 2020/21 season.

The 30-year-old Scotsman has played 136 times for the Eagles since his move from Wigan four years ago.

“I’m very pleased to commit myself to the club for another three years,” said McArthur.

“It’s great, and I’m excited about the challenges that come.

"The manager has brought the best out of me from last season, and I really enjoy playing under him.

"We have a very good squad where there is competition for places all over the field, and I think we’ll get stronger and stronger.”

The combative midfielder goes about his business quietly in the centre of the park, but the statistics show that he is influential to their results.

In 127 league appearances for Palace he has scored 16 times and average 1.25 points a game when he plays compared to 0.8 when he does not.

Having played every minute of this season’s campaign it’s no surprise that Roy Hodgson and club chairman Steve Parish were keen to hand McArthur a new deal.

“James is the epitome of a model professional,” said Parish.

“He sets a brilliant example to other players and is a real team man. James has been a huge success at the club and embodies everything we are about at Crystal Palace FC. We are absolutely delighted that he has resigned with us.”