Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett has agreed a new long-term contract with the Club

Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett has agreed a new long-term contract with the Club, which could extend to six years.

The 22-year-old Tyneside-born star made his Magpies' debut at Brighton in the FA Cup in January and, after impressing in pre-season, got his first start in the Capital One Cup tie at Morecambe at the end of August.

He appeared as a substitute in the Barclays Premier League on the opening day of the 2013/14 campaign at Manchester City, with his full top flight bow coming in last Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby.

Last season Dummett won a Scottish League Cup winners' medal while on loan at St. Mirren, during which time he played 36 games for the Buddies.

"I am delighted to secure my long term future with Newcastle United," said Dummett.

"Like so many local lads it has been my boyhood dream to play for this Club and now I am looking forward to repaying their faith in me and working hard to be the best possible player I can be.

"This is a great moment for my family and so many others who have supported me over the years, and I would like to thank them all."

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew added: "Paul fully deserves his new contract and we're delighted for him.

"He has been with us since the age of nine, progressing through our Academy which is great testament to the work they do in developing young players.

"It also demonstrates to youngsters in the region that a pathway exists for them - provided they have the right attitude, commitment and ability - to move through the ranks into the first team.

"He has made great progress in the last year, benefitting enormously from his spell at St. Mirren last year.

"His performances this season for us have been first class and we were all delighted he scored his first goal for the Club against Liverpool, and a very important one at that."

Joe Kinnear, United's director of football, added: "We are delighted that Paul has committed his long term future to the Club.

"In reality, this was never in doubt as we wanted Paul to stay and, as a Geordie, Paul made it clear that the only place he wanted to play was Newcastle United - it was just a question of finding the right deal for both parties which we have managed to do.

"It's vitally important that we give young talent the platform to develop a career at Newcastle United and that we retain and develop the region's best players.

"Paul has been given a great opportunity with us and he's grasped it and performed well in the first team during pre-season and in recent games.

"We hope that Paul will follow in the footsteps of current players Tim Krul, Steven Taylor and Shola Ameobi, who have come through the Academy and contributed hugely to this Club like many others before them.

"It confirms our belief that there is local talent out there for us to identify and nurture through the Club and that our strategy in respect of this can - and will - bear fruit.

"Paul's achievement should give encouragement to our Academy to keep up the great work and also sends a strong positive message to young local players that if you are good enough then there will be opportunities at this Club."