Lewis Banks has signed a new contract with Sligo Rovers until the end of the 2020 season.

The talented defender has been outstanding for the Bit O’ Red this season, featuring at right and left-back since joining.

The former Stoke City Under-23 captain spoke of his delight at the new deal.

“I’m over the moon. I’m delighted to get things sorted for next year. Hopefully now we can push on for this season and moving on to next season.

“It has gone beyond my expectations. In a way I didn’t know what to expect but it has been brilliant. It’s a great club to be around. We’ve done well. We want to do better. After the break we’ll look to get some more wins.

“I don’t mind playing as long as I’m playing. Whether I’m in either position I put the work in and it’s gone well so far. 

“Going part-time with Stafford motivated me that if I did get an opportunity at full-time again that I would make the most of it. 

“We want to win games and see where we can go, whether it’s a Cup run or in the league because the European positions are still up for grabs. Next year is about kicking on again and improving on 2019. 

“Speaking to the gaffer and the lads here, we want to be successful and not linger around. That’s why I wanted to stay, so I’m delighted to get it done and hopefully we can have that success.”

Liam Buckley said: “I’m delighted because I think he has done fantastically well. It’s difficult when you arrive from the English league and trying to land running. . He has done particularly well. He is a fit boy and he can play. We’ve chucked him in at left-back when he’s normally a right-back and he can play centre-back. He’s a terrific lad to work with so I’m chuffed he’s staying with us.

“It’s a man’s league here, totally different to the Under-23 league in England, and he has toughened up. It’s much harder and strenuous playing in this league than that one. I’m delighted he has extended the contract, I can see him going places.

“There’s a short, medium and long-term plan from my end of it. The short-term plan is pick up as many points as we can, the medium is squeeze as many results we can from now to the end of the season. Somebody will make that top four because there is very little between a lot of the teams. The long-term plan is further down the line between this window and the off-season is to juggle a few pieces around here and there and build something here.”