James Ward-Prowse has signed a new contract that will keep him at Saints until 2020.

The 20-year-old midfielder rose through the academy ranks and has become a regular in the Saints first team this season.

Ward-Prowse’s previous deal, signed in 2012, was due to expire in 2017.

The new contract takes account of his first team status and ensures another key man for the future is tied into a longer stay at St Mary’s.

Ward-Prowse made his first team debut as a 16-year-old in a League Cup game at Crystal Palace and has been in and out of the first team for a number of years as he gains vital experience.

This has been more of a breakthrough season for him, despite being sidelined for a couple of months through injury.

So far in this campaign Ward-Prowse has notched up 17 appearances for the first team.