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Liam Fontaine has signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal at Bristol City to keep him at Ashton Gate until the summer of 2014.

The defender, 26, has been at the Championship club for six years and has made 214 appearances.

"We've been speaking for the last few weeks as he's one of the key players who we were keen to secure," manager Derek McInnes told the

"I'm just thrilled with the new deal," added Fontaine.

"The six years I've spent with the club have been superb. I can't wait to get fit again and play once more."

Fontaine, whose contract was due to expire in the summer, was in talks about a move to Southampton last year after he reportedly failed a medical.

He has managed just 11 appearances this season because of a knee problem, but is expected to return to first-team action in February.