Swansea City received a major boost today when defender Angel Rangel committed his long-term future to the Championship club.

The highly-regarded right-back, whose contract was due to expire at the end of the season, has signed a new long-term deal, much to the delight of his manager Roberto Martinez.

"With all the fuss up and down the country surrounding transfer-deadline day, this is as good as any new signing,'' beamed Roberto. "Probably better.

"As a club we are delighted Angel has committed his long-term future to SwanseaCity. It's quite clear looking back on Angel's first season in British football that he never needed a settling in period. He fitted in straight away and his performances from the first day he arrived have been first class.

"I think we've all seen that Angel is more than capable of playing at the highest level and I'm sure the fans will enjoy seeing his quality in a white shirt for many seasons to come.''

The 25-year-old arrived at the start of last season from Spanish side Terrassa for a small undisclosed fee.

Apart from a spell at the end of the League One title-winning campaign where the Spaniard picked up a groin injury, Rangel was ever-present at right-back and was named in the PFAs Team of the Season.

"I had a great first season at Swansea,'' explained Rangel. "It was a pleasure to play for the club. They gave me my chance in British football and I had a great welcome from the players, staff and the fans.

"The club is ambitious and hard-working on and off the field. That's why I had no hesitation in committing myself to the club for longer.

"To be honest, we started to speak about a longer deal at the end of last season. The talks went really well; straight forward really. I wanted to stay at the club and the club wanted me. It was just a case of waiting for the right moment to sign - which is today.

"Now if I can help, in the short or long-term, get the club into the Premiership I'll be more than happy.

"We are doing well in the Championship at the moment and I'm sure it will continue.''