Last Updated: Tue, 20 Nov 2012 10:31
James Ward-Prowse has vowed to 'kick on' with his career after signing a new five-year contract with Southampton.
The 18-year-old, who has forced his way into the first-team plans of boss Nigel Adkins this season, penned the deal on Monday following on from Saturday's impressive 3-1 win against relegation rivals Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.
And, having made his debut in the opening match against Manchester City back in August, Ward-Prowse is hoping to become a mainstay in Adkins' plans throughout the rest of this Premier League campaign and beyond.
He told the club's official website: "I'm absolutely delighted.
"It was nice that we go the win on Saturday and it's nice to put pen to paper. I can kick on from here.
"It's been an absolute whirlwind to go from playing under-18 football against lower-league teams to playing against the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United. That was my dream since I was a young kid, so to get to that stage is fantastic."
Adkins added: "As one of the youngsters coming through the system, James has done ever so well since he stepped up to the first team during pre-season.
"He started the first game of the season and played there on merit; he works hard in training.
"He's a great lad in respect of being a role model for the younger players and he works very hard at his game every single day.
"We're delighted that we've got a hungry and ambitious young man who has now committed his longer-term future to the football club."
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