SIMON Eastwood’s superb displays for Oxford United this season have earned the goalkeeper a new contract.

The 27-year-old signed a deal this afternoon which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2018/19 season.

Eastwood joined United last summer, agreeing an initial one-year contract, with a clause which would trigger an extra 12 months if he started 30 games in Sky Bet League One.

The stopper, who has not missed a minute of competitive football all season, will reach the milestone when Southend United visit tomorrow night.

But the U’s were keen to tie their No 1 down to a longer deal, something Eastwood was pleased to sign.

He said: "I’m happy to get some security and know where I’m going to be for the next couple of years.

"I just want to get my head down and keep working hard."

Eastwood spent the 2010/11 season with United, but did not play a minute of the campaign.

He dropped into non-league with Halifax, before Michael Appleton signed him for Portsmouth.

A three-season spell with Blackburn Rovers followed, but he left Ewood Park last summer frustrated at a lack of first team opportunities.

Appleton, who jumped at the chance to bring him to United, said: "I’ve said it many times now, I’m obviously a big fan of his or I wouldn’t keep signing him.

"I think he was always after that opportunity to be a No 1 and we’ve given him that chance.

"He’s had a long spell in the side now and his performances have certainly warranted a new deal."