EDDIE Howe believes Michael Duff will be important on and off the field next season after handing the defender a new 12-month deal.

Duff’s contract was due to expire this summer but it was announced on Friday that he had agreed terms to stay at Turf Moor for the 2012/13 season.

And Howe thinks the 34-year-old has a key role to play as an example to the younger players in the squad.

“He’s been excellent this season, he’s deserved his year,” Howe said.

“A consistent performer, a leader, he’s been really good off the pitch and on the pitch, I can’t speak highly enough of him as a professional so it’s a good reward for him.

“He’s been a real loyal servant to the football club and it’s good to have him for another season.

“He’s a really good role model for the younger professionals.

“We need the old heads to look up to and Michael is the ultimate professional and does things right, as you would have to have the career he’s had and the length of career he’s had.

“He’s going to be very important. Whether he’s playing or not playing he’s important to us as an example for everyone else to follow.

“He’s a winner. He wants to win everything he does. That’s rare these days.

“He does everything right in terms of his preparation for training and games, and when he’s on the pitch he wants to win.”