Ireland under-19 international Will Smallbone signs new four-year deal with Southampton

Republic of Ireland under-19 international Will Smallbone has signed a new four-year deal with Premier League Southampton.

The 20-year-old, hailing from Basingstoke in the United Kingdom, has signed a deal with the Saints that will see him take his association with the club up to 16 years.

Smallbone made his first-team debut for the club in January during the FA Cup win over Huddersfield Town.

He has since made a number of appearances in the Saints’ matchday squad, while also starting two Premier League games for the club.

“I’m very happy,” Smallbone said to the club’s media team after signing up for another four years. “I’ve been at the club for a long time now, so to commit my long-term future, for another four years, is very special for me.

“To see the manager sign a new contract was big for me too. He’s given me a chance this season to, firstly, be in and around training with the squad and then actually give me my chance in the games to play and show what I could do, so that’s a big factor in me committing as well.”

And his manager Ralph Hasenhüttl added: “Will is a young man who is part of the future of this football club.

“He has made some big steps this season, and he is someone who has a lot of potential to continue to grow as a player. This is the right place for him to continue to do this.

“He has shown in our training sessions and under pressure in matches that he can play, and he is also someone who understands our philosophy as a team and a club.

“He knows where and how he needs to improve his game, and I think that, together, we can develop him a lot in these next few years.”