JOSH EDWARDS has said he hopes to make the Pars fans happy and expressed his delight at feeling wanted by the club.

The 22-year-old recently signed a contract extension at KDM Group East End Park that will keep him with Athletic until the summer of 2024, which he insisted he had no hesitation in agreeing to.

An ever-present for manager, James McPake, so far this season, the former Airdrieonians full-back, who scored Dunfermline's equaliser in their draw with Clyde, prior to Saturday's 2-0 win over Montrose, was attracting interest from elsewhere but has committed his future to the League One leaders.

READ MORE: Boss hails "asset" Edwards after new deal agreed

"The gaffer came to me and said he wanted to extend it, and I was more than happy to," Edwards told Press Sport.

"All I was to do is play football. I'm playing every game just now, so I'm more than happy to keep doing that, and I'm loving playing.

"I just want to keep playing. Hopefully I can play every other game that we've got remaining in the season as well."

With his contract beginning to run out before fresh terms were penned, there was concern amongst some supporters that Edwards' impressive performances this season could see him lured elsewhere.

He has now played 126 times in a Dunfermline shirt, and continued: "It's nice to know that the fans are wanting me to stay and be part of the club. It's a nice feeling.

"I'm just glad to be staying on and, hopefully, I can help with the run-in and make the fans happy. It's nice to know I'm wanted at the club.

"It's a good feeling to be racking up the appearances. Like I said, I just enjoy playing, and the more games I can play, the better.

"I'm not looking to reach a certain goal, but the more the better."

Although his fourth goal of the season – taking his totally tally for the club to six – on Saturday wasn't enough for victory, the Pars remain clear at the League One summit, five points better off than Falkirk.

Dunfermline have lost just one of their 21 games played in the division, following relegation last season, and Edwards heaped praise on his boss and coaching team for helping turn the team's fortunes around, as well as darts competitions amongst the players - even if he was hesitant to give praise to one of his team-mates for their efforts at the oche.

"We usually go in doubles, so it's usually the pairings, but if I had to pick one, I don't want to say it, but I'd have to say it's probably Kevin O'Hara. I don't want anyone to tell him I said that," he laughed, when asked who is the top player in the dressing room.

"It would probably be him, or Aaron Comrie's very good as well. That would be a good game, him and Aaron Comrie.

"We're all getting on really well. There wasn't that many changes to the squad over the summer, but the boys that were brought in brought a lot to the squad, and we've all just got along.

"I think the darts tournaments every day has helped! We've been bashing them since we were watching them on telly!

"It's been really enjoyable over the last few months especially.

"Huge credit goes to the management team for bringing us all back together after the disappointing end to last season.

"They've come in and really helped the atmosphere.

"They saw what was needed in the changing room, they've brought in the right players, and its made us go from strength to strength. I think you can all see on the park just how together we are and how focused we are."