Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren is expecting big things from striker Ayoze Perez after the Spaniard committed his future to the club by signing a new five-and-a-half-year-deal.

The 22-year-old has scored five league goals in 21 appearances for the Magpies this season and after putting pen to a long-term deal, McClaren is backing him to be a key player at St James' Park as his career progresses.

"We are trying to build this Club for the long-term, and you can see that through our transfer business," McClaren told nufc.co.uk.

"But we are also doing that by giving new contracts to young players who we believe have big futures at Newcastle.

"Ayoze has proved himself to be a very good player and I am delighted he has extended his contract here.

"He has surprised me in terms of his ability. He can change a game, win a game and has scored some important goals for us this season. He has been a big plus.

"There is a lot more to come from Ayoze and that will happen in a Newcastle United shirt."