Promising young Dundee United striker Johnny Russell has committed his future to the Tannadice club for the next three years.
The 20-year-old’s contract wasn’t due to run out until next May, but he has agreed improved terms and a further two-year extension which takes him through to the summer of 2014.
Manager Peter Houston said, “I’m absolutely delighted that Johnny has agreed to extend his contract at Dundee United.
“He has made a big impression since breaking into the first team and I am now looking for him to continue the hard work to ensure he adds consistency to his game and continues to improve for the benefit of both himself and the club over the duration of this contract.”
He added, “It’s great to see yet another young and improving player who wants to remain at Tannadice longer term and once again, it shows the club’s emphasis on nurturing and utilising its own youth system products.”
Russell has been connected with United since he was a 13-year-old.
He played for the under-19s at just 16 and made his first-team debut a month after his 17th birthday.
After being loaned out to Forfar Athletic and Raith Rovers, in recent months he has been a regular in the United first-team squad scoring three times in 16 appearances.