DUNFERMLINE boss James McPake has praised "brilliant" Joe Chalmers after the midfielder signed a new contract with the club.

Yesterday (Thursday) the 29-year-old, who was brought to the club last January by previous manager, John Hughes, has agreed a deal that will keep him with the club until the summer of 2025.

Former Motherwell, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Ross County and Ayr United player Chalmers has been an ever-present for the Pars this season, helping them to the League One summit.

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Speaking to the press after his new deal was signed, manager McPake said: "There was a clause in it, in terms of the amount of games, but, regardless of that, he has been a really good player for us.

"He's great to work with, good about the place and I’m delighted that he is going to be here.

"In most games he covers the most ground. He has a really good footballing brain; he takes instructions really well, and is helpful to have on the pitch, particularly when you are changing tactics.

"In terms of his footballing brain and the way he conducts himself, he has been excellent and somebody who is really good to work with.

"He has played in the Premier League and Championship. His performance level in training every day (is high) and he is one of those leaders by example where he just conducts himself properly. He runs as much as he can, he takes care of the ball, he does everything that you ask of him and he is very tactically astute as well.

"When you ask him to do a role, which we have seen a couple of times this season - it might be more of a defensive role - he quite easily flips to going forward as well and playing that way.

"It is a young squad that we have got, so having someone with his experience in it definitely helps.

"The way that he has turned around from last season, he has been really important in changing the mindset of the football club in the way he performs, the way he trains and the way he plays.

"Above all else, he is a really good guy, but he is a really good footballer as well."

Chalmers follows team-mate, Josh Edwards, in extending his stay with the club, after the full back, last week, committed to the club until the end of next season.