Swansea City have received a major boost ahead of their Championship debut at the Liberty Stadium this afternoon after star striker Jason Scotland committed his long-term future to the club.
The Trinidad & Tobago international was out of contract at the end of the current campaign and manager Roberto Martinez made his move early to secure the talented striker for a longer period.
"We are delighted to have secured someone of Jason's quality on a long-term deal,'' explained Roberto. "He proved last season what a deadly finisher he is in front of goal.
"Jason is a rare breed in the modern game. He is someone who relies on his raw talent and a magic touch to score goals.
"As well as his goalscoring prowess, his build up play was essential to our success last season and I'm sure the fans will keep loving every second of Jason in a Swan shirt.''
Scotland was also delighted to commit his future to the club.
"I'm pleased we've confirmed the new deal early because it means I can continue to concentrate on my football,'' said Scotland. "It also means I've committed myself to Swansea for a longer spell, which I was more than happy to do.
"I never expected to do as well as I did last season, simply because it was my first taste of playing in the Football League. But I got used to the style and got into my stride early.
"To finish with 29 goals was a dream. It's going to be difficult to match it because the Championship is a higher level, but I'm looking forward to the challenge.
"If I can get close, I'll be happy.''
Scotland pushed himself back into the frame for a starting place against Nottingham Forest this afternoon following a stomach operation. A cameo appearance as a late substitute at Charlton was followed by 79 minutes against Brentford in the Carling Cup in midweek.
"I struggled with the injury from Christmas on last season,'' added Scotland. "Now it's nice to play without any pain and it's just a case of getting myself match fit again.''
Swansea signed the 29-year-old Trinidad & Tobago international striker on a two-year contract from St Johnstone in the summer of 2007 after fighting off interest from a number of clubs and gaining a new work permit from the Home Office.
Scotland had scored 26 times for St Johnstone the previous season - taking his total to 33 goals in 66 League appearances - and was named in the SPFA's Scottish Division One 'Team of the Year', voted for by the managers.
He started his career in T&T with San Juan Jabloteh and Defence Force before signing for Dundee United in August 2003 only to be forced home after his work permit application renewal was turned down in 2005.
However a new application to play for St. Johnstone was approved and did enough to warrant a place in T&T's 2006 World Cup squad.
Jason Scotland will be presented with the Puma Golden Boot award before today's game against Nottingham Forest. Scotland won the prestigious award last season after finishing as League One's top scorer. He will be presented with the award by Swans fans Alan Dodge and his son Neil after winning a competition in the South Wales Evening Post.