PARS defender Callum Morris has committed his future to the club after signing a new contract this morning.

The popular centre back has put pen to paper on a one-year deal that ensures he will remain at East End Park next season.

Securing Morris' signature is a further boost to manager Allan Johnston's plans for the coming campaign, having already agreed new deals with his centre back partner, Lee Ashcroft, and midfielder Nat Wedderburn.

Morris returned to Dunfermline in January's transfer window for a second spell after leaving in the summer of 2014 for Dundee United.

After spending two seasons at Tannadice, the 27-year-old Northern Ireland squad man was snapped up by Aberdeen last summer but failed to make a single appearance for the Dons.

He mutually agreed to part ways with the Pittodrie side and signed for the Pars on Hogmanay.

Since making his second 'debut' in January's Scottish Cup win at Alloa, Morris made a further 15 appearances before injury ruled him out of Athletic's final two games with Morton and Queen of the South.

Last month, he dismissed national media speculation before a match at Dundee United that was set to leave this summer, telling Press Sport that he had "not spoken to anyone about anything" and that the club were "building something good".

We will have more on this story in Thursday's Press Sport.