Millwall manager Neil Harris is delighted that Shane Ferguson has signed a new deal, writes Richard Cawley.

The 27-year-old winger looked as if he could move on in the summer – with the Lions open for offers.

But Ferguson opted to stick it out and has scored four goals in 28 appearances this season, including a double which secured an FA Cup third round win over Hull City.

Harris said: “First and foremost, Fergie is an outstanding character and a great young man.

“He is really, really popular with his team-mates and someone who I’ve had a really good working relationship with since he signed three-and-a- half years ago.

“He is one of those players you can depend and rely on. You know what you are going to get – and that’s real quality, whether he starts games or comes off the bench.

“He’s infectious and has got excellent standards. I’ve used him a lot from the start this season, but also as an impact player off the bench. I’m really pleased he has committed his future.”

Ferguson has played 154 times since joining from Newcastle United, initially arriving in South London on loan.

Asked about how close the Northern Ireland international was to leaving before the Championship campaign kicked off, Harris replied: “It was a balance for him.

“Does he want to try and go somewhere and play every minute of every game? Or does he stay with us and play the way he has been doing?

“He never wanted to leave and he never asked to leave.

“It was just an honest conversation I had with you guys [the press] that he might want to play every minute somewhere. I always consider the thought processes of players, because I care about them. So that is the kind of conversation me and Shane would have.

“Fergie has always been committed. When he has played, he has performed very well.”

The Lions have tied up a number of their squad on new deals in recent months, Jake Cooper and Jed Wallace also penning extensions.

Ferguson’s contract length has not been disclosed.

“These talks are always ongoing because we have players either coming out of contract or ones we might need to tie down and reward,” said Harris.

“I personally believe they should be private conversations, until they are concluded. It is the player’s business and it will always be their decision whether they want to talk about things or not.

“We’re talking about recruitment for the summer. We are looking at footage and watching players in games.

“In the modern day, these things take time. Identifying players or signing contracts isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. There are a lot of people involved, it’s just the way the business is now.

“Contractually with Shane it was very simple – because he wanted to stay and we wanted to keep him.”