ATHLETIC have been handed a January boost by the news that one of their star players has signed a new contract.

Full back, Josh Edwards, has agreed fresh terms that will keep him at KDM Group East End Park until the summer of 2024.

The 22-year-old, an ever-present this season for James McPake's outfit, has made 125 appearances for the club since signing from Airdrieonians in 2019.

Speaking to the media after his new deal was agreed, Edwards said: "I'm delighted to be signing on at Dunfermline.

"It's been really good to me over my time at the club, so hopefully I can keep repaying it.

"It's been fairly quick. The gaffer came to me and said he wanted me to extend it, and I was more than happy to.

"It got done fairly quickly, so I'm pleased about that; no distractions, we just got it done."

Boss McPake commented: "He is a very good full back.

"First and foremost he is a great lad who works really hard on his game. He is good in and around the dressing room but a fantastic player with loads of potential as well so as a football club we are delighted to get it done.

"There has been a few questions asked about his situation from other clubs so we are delighted to keep him.

"There has been a few questions asked about his situation from other clubs so we are delighted to keep him. We know how important he is to us and we knew he was always going to be here until the end of the season but now we have got him for that extra year.

"It will be good for his development I believe."

We'll have more on this story in next week's Press Sport.