David Wagner says there’s much more to come from Tommy Smith after the defender extended his Huddersfield Town contract to 2019.
The 24-year-old right-back put pen to paper on a 12-month extension which Town have the option of taking into the 2019-20 season should they wish.
Smith has played all three Championship matches this season and seems a shoo-in for the home derby with Barnsley on Saturday.
Watch Town's celebrations at Villa Park:
Wagner said: “Tommy has worked very hard to improve his game since I arrived at the club back in November and he still has further room for development.
“That is exciting for everyone, as I already believe he is a top right-back for this division.
“Tommy’s character is excellent and I know he will keep working hard on the training pitch to get better and better.
“He is another player who shows the ‘Terriers Identity’ on the pitch in every game and he deserves this contract from us.”
Smith has made 108 Town starts and five substitute appearances, scoring once, since signing in August 2012 in the Development squad.
His league debut was at Sheffield Wednesday in November 2013, a 2-1 win screened live by Sky.
“I’m very happy that Tommy has extended his stay at Huddersfield Town for even longer, as he is an important player for this club,” added Wagner.
“Signing up Tommy reaffirms our commitment to keeping the best players at the club, following on from Jonathan Hogg, Philip Billing, Joe Lolley and Harry Bunn all signing new contracts too.
“This has always been big for us.”
Smith, from Warrington, was in the Tranmere Rovers youth system before moving to Manchester City in 2003.
He turned professional there and featured for the Elite Development Squad, but didn’t make a senior appearance for City.
After joining Town, he made 20 starts in the Professional Development League 2 side before breaking into the senior line-up.
