Soccer: Everton manager David Moyes has praised Donegal youngster Seamus Coleman for the performances that earned the 22-year-old a new contract at Goodison Park.

The former Sligo Rovers player has blossomed over the last 12 months and has become one of the league’s hottest properties after converting from right back to right wing.

Coleman signed his previous deal only last May but Moyes was keen to reward him with a new four-and-a-half-year deal this week, after his outstanding form in establishing himself in the first team this year.

“What Everton do, if players do well, is renew them [contracts] and up their money and look after them,” said Moyes, who has also tied Victor Anichebe to the club for the same length of time. "Seamus deserved that for his performances. The boy’s development, the way he has come on, is terrific.”

The deals for Coleman and Anichebe offset some of the disappointment at losing Steven Pienaar to Tottenham.

Moyes decided to cash in on the South African playmaker after receiving offers from Spurs and Chelsea, rather than lose him on a free transfer when his contract expired in the summer.

“It wasn’t a difficult decision because of the finances. I said if we didn’t get a decent offer we wouldn’t let him go. I told everyone I was quite happy for Steven to see his contract out, he had played quite well in the games for us. I have no problem with Steven at all.

“When Chelsea made the offer we had had no offer from Tottenham at all. Chelsea actually flushed Tottenham out. The boy chose Tottenham, so good luck to him. We actually got a decent return for someone with six months to go on his contract.”