Norwich City's talisman Wes Hoolahan has signed a new contract, keeping him at Carrow Road until at least 2018.

https://twitter.com/NorwichCityFC/status/760158533279100928

Hoolahan, who scored twice in Saturday's 3-2 friendly defeat to Hannover 96, was approaching the final year of his current deal but the fans' favourite will now clock up a decade of service with the Canaries.

'It's great to have signed another two years with the club,' he said. 'It has been a fantastic eight years so far and looking forward to this season we know it is going to be a tough year in the Championship, but we have a great squad of players and hopefully come Saturday we will get the season up and running. I can't wait now.

'It was great scoring in the Euros and with Robbie (Brady) doing so well that was great to see for Norwich and hopefully we can carry that form forward into the Championship.'

Alex Neil made it clear how important Hoolahan was to his plans after his weekend brace against the Germans.

'Wes has always been a special player for us,' he said. 'More often than not, he's the one I turn to when I need someone to deliver something for me, and he never really lets me down. He's a quality player. We all know his qualities. He'll be key for us this year.'

Hoolahan has scored 45 goals in 338 senior appearances for Norwich since signing from Blackpool for a reported £250,000 in 2008. The Irishman has won the League One title and two promotions to the Premier League during his long service with the club.

The 34-year-old also starred for the Republic of Ireland at the recent European Championships, scoring in the opening group game draw with Sweden and setting up club mate Robbie Brady for the goal that sealed his country's place in the last-16 with a 1-0 win over Italy.