MATT YOUNG will make his fifth successive Town start at Nottingham Forest on Saturday buoyed by the agreement of a one-year contract extension and words of praise from boss Peter Jackson.

As revealed in the Examiner last week, the 21-year-old Academy product has been offered terms through to the summer of 2008 and is now ready to put pen to paper.

The Leeds-based midfielder had made only one start (in an LDV Vans Trophy tie at Boston) and two appearances from the bench before the start of this season, and he wasn't even in the 16 for the first three matches.

But last Saturday's game against Crewe was his 15th start of this campaign, and there have been 13 more outings from the bench.

"Those figures speak for themselves," said Jackson of a player who can play in any midfield position and has also filled in as a full-back.

"There have been five more occasions when Matty has been on the bench without being called on, and he has made himself a useful man to have around.

"Before the start of this season, I didn't envisage him having anything like this many games, but he's taken advantage of the unavailability of other players at various times.

"It's said that one player's absence is another's opportunity, and Matty has shown that to be correct.

"But it would be unfair to suggest he only plays when others can't because I have chosen him ahead of more experienced men on occasions.

"Matty has a first-rate attitude both to training and matches. He's a very enthusiastic character and a real hard worker.

"He's taken what we've told him on board and has improved steadily with playing regularly in the side.