GARY SPEED is poised to end his playing days at Newcastle United after committing himself to the club for the next two years.

Speed, who turns 34 next month, yesterday signed a one-year extension to his contract that will keep him at St James' Park until the end of the 2004-05 season.

The Wales captain was linked with a move to Middlesbrough, but he put an end to speculation surrounding his future by putting pen to paper on a new deal.

Speed, a £5.5m buy from Everton in February 1998, has seen his place come under increasing threat since the arrival of Laurent Robert, Jermaine Jenas, Hugo Viana, Darren Ambrose and Lee Bowyer in the last two years.

But he remains one of Sir Bobby Robson's most reliable players and started Tuesday's friendly with Bayern Munich, when the Newcastle manager fielded arguably his strongest available side.

Speed said: "I'm very happy to have agreed the one-year extension and I'm looking forward to the next two seasons with relish.

"We have a tremendous squad of players here and right now there's no better place to be.

"You get the normal speculation in the summer and it's rather unsettling, but I never wanted to leave.

"There's a lot of competition all over the park, and that's what we need in a Champions League campaign and domestically as well.

"I was injured at the end of last season and have spent most of the summer getting fit. I feel pretty good."

Speed has made more Premiership appearances (374) than any other player and he was a pivotal member of the Newcastle team that finished third in the League last season.

Robson added: "I'm delighted for Gary. He's been absolutely massive for me at the club and his influence on the team through his personality and playing ability cannot be underestimated."

* Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier says he is thrilled at the way Harry Kewell has settled in following his £5m move from Leeds. Kewell is set to make his first appearance at Anfield tomorrow against Valencia.

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