STOKE City defender Danny Higginbotham has signed a new contract to keep him at the club until the summer of 2012.

The 30-year-old has lost his place in the side to Danny Collins, but remains in manager Tony Pulis’s long-term plans.

Higginbotham’s deal was due to expire in the summer of 2011.

The former captain’s decision to sign offers City long-term options at both left-back and in central defence.

Fellow defender Ryan Shawcross also committed his future to the club this week when he signed a four-and-a-half year deal.