Veteran Crystal Palace defender Matt Lawrence has signed a new contract to keep him at Selhurst Park until the summer of 2010.The versatile former Millwall and Fulham player will be 36 when the deal expires and admits he was delighted to be offered the new terms.

"I'm more than fit enough to have another two years at this level," Lawrence told the South London Press.

"The discussions were very straightforward and there were no arguments or negotiations, my agent just looked over the contract to check everything was in place and it was signed, simple as that.

"Finance is important to everyone, because you've got to pay the mortgage, but I didn't quibble because I appreciated the gesture of another year.

"My family are settled in Sussex and I'm happy career-wise so signing an extension wasn't anything I needed to think about. I'm glad to have another year playing at Palace."

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