Republic of Ireland midfielder Will Smallbone has signed a new three-year deal with Southampton.
The 23-year-old missed the Saints' victory over QPR last Saturday due to an ankle injury but he's expected to return for the weekend clash at Sunderland.
Crowned the FAI's Under-21 player of the year back in June, Smallbone has now established himself in Stephen Kenny's senior squad and is expected to be selected for September's Euros qualifiers against France and the Netherlands.
He'd reportedly been on Sheffield United's radar but Southampton have tied Smallbone down with a new deal until 2026.
"It's been in the works for a little while now, so I'm happy to finally get it over the line and looking forward to the future," he said.
"And for me coming back [he was on loan at Stoke City last season], not being here last year, coming back and seeing the change and everything that's happened has been a breath of fresh air.
"I was really excited to work with the manager [Russell Martin] having played against [Swansea] last year and their style of play, I thought it was something that would really help me.
"And yeah, it's only grown since I've come back, that belief and positivity in the side and myself, I've really enjoyed it."
Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox was full of praise for the academy graduate, adding: "Will has been here since the age of eight and knows exactly what it means to play for this club.
"He has really bought into Russell's philosophy and has already shown how important he is to our project and I’m delighted he has signed this new contract."
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