Ross County manager Jim McIntyre believes signing Andrew Davies, the former Middlesbrough and Bradford City defender, on a new contract is significant.
The 32-year-old’s organisational skills and ferocious competitiveness in the heart of the County defence have made him a huge favourite in Dingwall.
McIntyre acknowledged: “We’d had plenty dialogue over the last month or two and Andrew’s family are now settled again. He really enjoys his work here.
“He knows he is at a good club, where we do things properly. He has been a fantastic professional since coming to the club, with a really high level of performance.
“And he’s been a model of consistency for us. I’m delighted we’ve managed to get a deal done with the two-year extension. It is great news for the club.
“He’s a leader. He leads by example, whether in training or in the way he lives his life.
“On the pitch, I think he’s one of the best headers of the ball I’ve worked with. He attacks the ball really well both defensively and forward at set plays.
“He has fantastic timing, but you also have to be aggressive. I don’t think there are many better at doing that.
“He’s a good influence to have about the place, especially on the younger lads, just in the way he goes about his business.”
County will now host Aberdeen in the toughest of Scottish Cup fifth round tests in February.
McIntyre added: “It will be tough, but I’m just delighted to get a home tie.
“Aberdeen are a quality side but we’ve shown here especially we’re more than capable of beating any team.”