James McArthur admitted it was a no-brainer putting pen to paper on a new three-year deal at Crystal Palace.

The midfielder only joined the Eagles last September from Wigan but an impressive debut campaign in SE25 led to an improved contract which now ties the Scotsman to Selhurst Park until 2018.

Today’s news kills off any fears Palace fans might have harboured McArthur could be on the move, although the man himself never seriously believed that was on the cards.

He told cpfc.co.uk: “It was an easy decision.

“There was nothing really to consider. 

“I think there was a bit of general interest in me, but Palace is where I want to be, I’m happy and that’s the main thing in football. 

“When you’re happy, you need to try to keep that and keep going with it.

“I think the club have got the potential to go places.

“We finished tenth last year and we’ll be looking to progress again. I’m really delighted.”

McArthur also revealed the team spirit within the Crystal Palace dressing room had been a big factor in his choice to commit to the club.

He explained: “I think the main thing here is that we’ve got all the right characters, we all want to push each other and that's going to be seen next season as well. 

“Everything comes together here at Palace, so it wasn’t really a big decision to make.

“I spoke to the club and said that it was something I really wanted to do - commit my future - so I’m really excited about it now.

“Hopefully the team will keep moving forward and keep progressing.”

McArthur added: “We need to keep pushing, as a club (and) a team. Everyone is pushing each other. 

“Towards the end of last season everyone could have taken their foot off the gas, but we wanted to finish well to take that momentum into the following year.”

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