CRAIG WIGHTON has signed a new two-year contract with Athletic and has declared that this season is the "most I've enjoyed my football".

The 25-year-old, whose existing deal was due to expire at the end of the current campaign, has signed fresh terms that will keep him at KDM Group East End Park until the summer of 2025.

The Pars number nine, who has scored 16 goals so far this season, included four in his last four appearances, has been a key player for his boss, and former Dundee team-mate, James McPake, featuring 38 times in all competitions.

Wighton, who scored Dunfermline's second goal in their midweek win at Peterhead, having also sparked their comeback from two goals down to draw at Falkirk on Saturday, said: "It's the most I've enjoyed my football, this year. It was an easy decision.

"I get on with the manager and Dave (Mackay, assistant manager) really well; it was a no-brainer. I'm glad to get it done and I'm looking forward to the next couple of years."

When asked if there may have been interest from elsewhere, Wighton replied: "I'm not sure if there was, I don't know.

"As soon as I got offered here, it was a no-brainer, I wasn't thinking about that. There maybe was, I don't know. I said to my agent as soon as they were in touch 'let's get it done'.

"It's been going on in the background for a few weeks and I'm delighted that it's finally agreed. I can just focus on the last few games."

Dunfermline Press:

Craig Wighton celebrates his goal in Saturday's draw at Falkirk. Photo: Chris McCluskie.

After beginning his career with boyhood club Dundee, Wighton joined Heart of Midlothian in 2018, and would go on to feature for them in the 2020 Scottish Cup final, delayed due to COVID-19, as they lost on penalties to Celtic after a thrilling 3-3 draw.

In February 2021, then Dunfermline boss, Stevie Crawford, signed the forward on a pre-contract agreement, before he moved to East End on loan for the remainder of that season.

He has, so far, hit the net 25 times during his time with the Pars and, although he said that setting a target for goals is "something that I've not really done", Wighton has been pleased with his return this term, particularly after having to work his way back to full fitness in its early stages.

"It's been a good return since I came back. Hopefully I can get a few more between now and the end of the season," he continued.

"We had a target as a group that we kept in here and that was to win the league. Hopefully we can do that on Saturday."

Dunfermline entertain Queen of the South at the weekend, and a victory will gurantee them the League One title.

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However, if Falkirk do not pick up three points at home to Airdrieonians, the Pars will be champions, regardless of their result against the Doonhamers.

Tickets for the match are on sale, and can be bought online by clicking here; from the club shop and ticket office, between 10am-4pm tomorrow, and from 10am to kick off on Saturday; or from the ticket kiosk, between the Norrie McCathie and Main stands, on match day.