NEWCASTLE have received a major boost on the eve of the Tyne-Wear derby by agreeing new contracts with skipper Fabricio Coloccini and goalkeeper Tim Krul.

The Magpies called an early-morning press conference to announce the new deals with two of their key players.

Coloccini has signed a new four-year deal that commits him to St James' Park until June 2016.

Krul has gone one step further and put pen to paper on a five-year contract that ties him to the Magpies until June 2017.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said: "These are two fantastic deals for the club and we are all absolutely delighted.

"To secure new contracts for Fabricio and Tim, two pivotal players at the club, is terrific news for all concerned, not just ahead of the derby but for the long-term future of the club.

"It underlines the importance that we as a club place on building and retaining top class talent, and it demonstrates the intent of Newcastle United to be major players in the Premier League.

"I would also like to place on record my thanks to Mike (Ashley) and Derek (Llambias) for their hard work and continued financial backing in ensuring these deals were completed.

"We now turn our attentions to tomorrow's big game, boosted by this news - which I hope gives our incredible fans a huge lift too - and with the confidence to really make this a season to remember."