Newcastle United defender Stuart Findlay will remain at Kilmarnock until the end of the season after extending his loan deal, it has been announced.
The north-east giants announced on their official website and social media channels on Wednesday that the 22-year-old will stay at Rugby Park until 18 June.
Newcastle United defender Stuart Findlay will remain on loan at @OfficialKillie until the end of the season
?? https://t.co/EgIy9pz3aT #NUFC pic.twitter.com/TTlfWrl3nY
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 17, 2018
Findlay initially joined Kilmarnock on a half-season loan that was due to expire this month but it has been extended following his impressive form under former Newcastle coach Steve Clarke, who took over as manager at the Scottish Premiership side at the end of last year.
The Scotland under-21 international has made 17 appearances in all competitions for Killie this season and has been a mainstay of the side that are sixth in the division.
He had a previous spell on loan at Kilmarnock while he was affiliated with Celtic, back in the 2015-16 season, and has built a rapport with the fans at Rugby Park.
OPINION
Down the pecking order at Newcastle, it is sensible for all parties that Scot Findlay remains at Kilmarnock for the rest of the campaign. He has impressed in his second spell at the club and the extra six months will enable him to play more regular first-team football and continue the development that has made him a crucial member of Clarke’s improving side. At parent club Newcastle, Findlay has made just a single senior appearance, in the 3-1 FA Cup win over Birmingham last season, and it is difficult to see him getting many opportunities any time soon.