Junior Stanislas has become the latest talented youngster to commit his long-term future to West Ham United after agreeing a contract until summer 2013.
The news completes a week to remember for the 19-year-old after he scored on his first senior start for the club in last weekend's 2-0 defeat of Sunderland. Stanislas had staked his first-team claim with a hat-trick last month in a friendly against Chelsea and also earned his first cap for England at Under-20 level.
Stanislas said: "It's good to have signed. I've been working hard and doing well on the training ground so the new contract is obviously a bonus. It's a great show of faith and I've just got to keep working hard. I'm learning still on the pitch but this is a reward for how I've been doing."
The winger, who has felt the benefit of a short-term stay at Southend United earlier this season, was particularly pleased to follow in the footsteps of Mark Noble and fellow weekend goalscorer James Tomkins in signing a new deal. "James and I have been together quite a lot recently, with England as well, so for him to sign and for me to sign a few days later is obviously great.
"The loan spell at Southend for six weeks obviously helped, but then coming back to West Ham I still had to work hard. Now I've had my chance I've been doing OK so it's good."
Stanislas is focused on this weekend's trip to Tottenham Hotspur and is eager to show that manager Gianfranco Zola has young talent that is capable of helping the club to a high league finish. "We're chasing that European spot in seventh and we've got quite a few games so hopefully we'll get that spot.
"The atmosphere at Chadwell Heath this week has been good. There's a few injuries but the players are upbeat and looking forward to the game. It's a derby so it means a lot but we are going into every game looking to win. We're confident as always."
West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "After we agreed new contracts with Mark Noble and James Tomkins earlier this week, having Junior commit his future as well is another boost for everyone at the club. Junior has made great progress this season and we are all excited about his potential.
"He is just one of a great crop of young players at Gianfranco's disposal and we are looking forward to seeing what they can help us achieve in the years to come."