CHRIS ATKINSON has signed a new two-year deal with Town.

The 19-year-old midfielder is highly rated by boss Lee Clark, who handed him a debut from the bench and two starts this season.

Now the player who joined at seven has committed himself until 2013.

“The club is moving forward on and off the pitch,” said Atkinson, who played as a substitute in the 6-0 FA Cup second-round home win over Macclesfield in November and made the XI for the League I draws at Dagenham in February and Yeovil in March.

“The level of training after progressing into the first-team squad has really helped improve my game. My first season as a senior professional has been fantastic.

“We have played at some great grounds like the Emirates Stadium and Old Trafford, and it is a shame that we couldn’t cap it with a victory there in the play-off final.