Ciaran Kilduff has extended his contract at league champions Dundalk ahead of Thursday’s crucial Europa League tie against Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The Kilcock native has signed on for another year after joining the club from St. Patrick’s Athletic in July 2015. He has made an immediate impact for The Lilywhites having scored crucial goals in the double success of last season and netted on a further 13 occasions this season including the equaliser against AZ Alkmaar and the winner against Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the UEFA Europa League. He lined out 36 times despite serious back and knee injuries.

When he spoke to dundalkfc.com after re-signing, Kilduff couldn’t hide his delight and said it ‘is a good place to be’ at the present time.

“I am really delighted to re-sign. It was something in my contract here that there was the option of another year here so I am happy to get it down on paper and be here for another year.

“Over the last three years the club has been the most successful in Ireland with the trophies that we have won and everything in Europe. It’s a great place to be. Going forward it’s good to be part of and I wanted to stay here.

“It’s the nicest way to finish off the season. Going to Tel-Aviv with a chance to finish off the current year going into the next stage. We are looking forward to it and hopefully we can get the job done.”

In addition to signing Kilduff up for another year, the Louth club have also secured the service of 23 year old Robbie Benson for another season.