Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse has signed a new five-and- a-half year contract, the club have announced.
The 20-year old made his debut for Saints in a Capital One Cup defeat to Crystal Palace in October 2011 and has played 17 times for Southampton this season, who sit third in the Premier League.
The midfielder joined the club when he was eight and has worked his way through the ranks, the new deal will keep him at St Mary’s until 2020.
He has helped England Under-21s qualify for the 2015 European Championships this summer, making 13 appearances and scoring three goals.
Ward-Prowse spoke to Southampton’s official YouTube account and said, “The club is in a fantastic position and ever since I joined the club at a young age I knew it was the right place to be. I fell in love with the place straight away.
“I’ve been on a fantastic journey, the club has too, and it’s great to extend my stay. I’m really excited for the next few years.
“You only have to look at the players we’ve produced over the last few years to see it is the right place. There’s not many clubs in the country, or the world, who give young players the chance to play in the biggest league in the world.”
Saints boss Ronald Koeman added, “He’s one of the young players who is developing himself in a very good way. He will be a great player,”
“It’s always good news, I’m happy that he would like to stay with us. It’s a good signal to the rest of the players. He’s one of the examples for the Academy, to the confidence of the young players.
“Prowsey developed in the Academy and now he’s one of the young players who plays for the first team. He’s a good professional, always serious in his training, in his discipline, he’s a big example for all young players.”