Neil Etheridge, the goalkeeper who played a crucial role in Cardiff City’s promotion to the Premier League, has signed up for a head-to-head battle with Alex Smithies.
The two goalies will fight it out for the Bluebirds’ starting place during pre-season after Etheridge signed a new contract.
New signing Smithies, 28, has joined City from Queens Park Rangers in a £3.5m transfer and his contract runs until 2022.
Philippines international Etheridge has committed to the club for the next three years and says: “The club have been great to me since I started.
“We had a fantastic time last season and I’m delighted to extend my deal.
“Every game is going to be a great experience – all of them. Of course, you’ve got Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge… I could go on and on about all of them.
“But I’m looking forward to the first game of the season, then coming back here for a full house against Newcastle. I can’t wait.”
Cardiff chief executive Ken Choo, said: “We are delighted to see another of our key performers from 2017-18 commit his future to our club.
“Neil enjoyed a fantastic first season here and I’m sure the supporters are just as pleased as us to see him sign this new deal.”
Etheridge had a superb debut season in the Welsh capital.
He played in all but one of City’s 46 Sky Bet Championship matches and kept a total of 19 clean sheets, firmly establishing himself between the Bluebirds’ posts.
His success continued on the international stage as he achieved qualification for the 2019 Asian Cup with the Philippines.
An outstanding season for club and country was, of course, rounded off with the Bluebirds’ promotion to the Premier League.
Having put pen to paper on his new deal, Neil spoke exclusively to Cardiff City in an interview which you can watch in full on Cardiff City TV.
