91Èȱ¬

Port Vale midfielder Michael O'Connor has signed a new contract with the League One club.

Belfast-born O'Connor, 27, was Vale's player of the year last season after joining in July from Rotherham.

"It was clear for all to see last season that he was a key player for us and he was someone we were extremely keen to keep," Vale boss Rob Page said.

"The fact he is staying is a statement of intent from everyone at this club," he

Former Crewe trainee O'Connor scored seven goals as Vale finished 18th last term, avoiding relegation by four points.

Meanwhile, out-of contract winger Mark Marshall is still making his mind up over whether to follow O'Connor in agreeing to stay at Vale Park.

The 28-year-old signed for Vale from Coventry City on a one-year deal last July.

O'Connor's decision to agree a new deal follows Vale's signing of signing defender Remie Streete and midfielder Sam Kelly ahead of the new season.