Huddersfield Town has secured one of its brightest young prospects by signing midfielder Michael Collins to a long-term contract extension today.

The 23-year old graduate of the Club's Academy has put pen to paper on a three year contract that will see him stay a Huddersfield Town player until the summer of 2012.

Collins enjoyed the most successful season of his four and a half year professional career last term, scoring an impressive 10 goals in 39 games from his central midfield berth. He is pictured above signing the new deal as Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens and Chairman Dean Hoyle look on.

Manager Lee Clark told the Club's official website that keeping Michael at the Club is a vital part of his long-term plans.

"Michael has the whole package; he has a fantastic attitude, he trains extremely hard every day and he gives his absolute best in every game," Lee explained.

"He is always looking to improve and that fits perfectly with the strategy I am working on - I want young, hungry players who are always looking to get better and progress up the League.

"He also has a unique habit for a central midfield player - he scores goals regularly. He got into double figures last season, but it didn't detract from the other aspects of his game that he needs as a midfield player.

"Michael is always looking to better himselfand he constantly asks me to use my contacts to get DVDs of the top central midfield players in the Premiership so that he can watch them and pick up tips. He knows that he is not the finished article and he is prepared to put in the hard work that will see him achieve his goals.

"I want him to continue his improvement over the next three years and I have no doubt that will happen, because his attitude is first class. It would be great if he could keep up his ratio of goals and improve upon it, because the best players of his kind manage 20 a season, which is the rate of a striker. We will also keep working on his general game.

"The main reason we want him here is simple - he is a great player and he can help us achieve everything we want to achieve. The best thing about him is that he is nowhere near his pinnacle age yet."

The Town boss stressed that securing the future of the Club's bright young talents is just as important as supplementing the squad with new players.

"I inherited some outstanding players when I joined in December and just as it is important to bring new players into the Club, it is equally important to secure the futures of people who have done well for me. Michael is a part of my long-term plans, just like several other players that we secured at the end of last season like the Clarke brothers, Alex Smithies and James Berrett."

Huddersfield Town Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens told htafc.com that he is delighted for Michael and the Club:

"Securing the services of Michael for the next three years is a real fillip for the Club. He enjoyed a terrific season for us and the fact that he is willing to commit to us for the next three years shows that he believes in the direction and ambition of the new Huddersfield Town.

"Michael has been a pleasure to deal with and I hope he can continue and build upon his fantastic form last season in the 2009/10 campaign."

A full interview with Michael on his decision will follow!