The Dutch defender, who had previously been linked with moves to Chelsea and Liverpool, finalised his new deal in January.

Botman admitted to having doubts over his long-term future before committing to fresh terms, but Howe is confident the renewed security will allow him to reach even higher levels.

After putting pen to paper, Botman posed for photographs alongside sporting director Ross Wilson and chief executive David Hopkinson, underlining the club's determination to retain key figures.

Howe suggested that contractual clarity has already helped Botman play with greater assurance, adding that stability off the pitch can translate into improved performances on it. The Newcastle manager also hinted that other senior players could benefit from similar certainty.

"It would certainly help. For any player, if you have your future settled and you're not worrying about contract length or anything to do with off the pitch and you know you're here, then you've got to be all in," said Howe.

"I think Sven's always been someone that has been fully committed. I've never seen a day when he's been distracted. But just when you have certainty over your future, I think it can certainly give you a feeling of contentment.

"And then you focus on what's really important, which is your performance and everything that goes into that. Sven's been really good in recent weeks. I think we have seen a return to his very best levels.

"He's such an important figure for us. His use of the ball is so good. His defensive mentality against Tottenham again was outstanding.

"He defended his goal with Malick (Thiaw) and Dan (Burn) and Kieran (Trippier) superbly. So it was a great performance and we hope it is the first of many for him."

Defenders Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar are both approaching the end of their current contracts and, as things stand, are set to leave in the off-season.

Brighton legend Pascal Gross joins boyhood club Borussia Dortmund