Tom Clarke has signed a contract extension that will see him stay at Huddersfield Town until the summer of 2012.

The versatile 22-year old, who is equally at home across the defensive line or in central midfield, impressed during his 25 appearances for Lee Clark's first team last season but tore the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in his right knee during the Club's Play-Off semi-final clash with Millwall on 15 May, ruling him out of action until at least Christmas.

Huddersfield Town Chairman Dean Hoyle commented:

"We made a commitment to Tom regarding a new contract last year following his very impressive run in the first-team and these have been reflected in this new contract.

"Given his injury since that time, which unfortunately rules him out until at least the end of the year, it might have be seen as more convenient for us to wait for his return before we address this but we are committed to doing what is right and proper at Huddersfield Town.

"Tom is a very resilient character and I'm sure he will return better than ever; hopefully this will help to boost him in his recovery process.

"We are all looking forward to him returning and playing a big part for us later this season."

Manager Lee Clark said:

"Tom is a fantastic professional who covers numerous positions and whenever he comes in he plays to his best.

"Unfortunately for him he was enjoying his best spells in the side on the two occasions he has got injured like this. However, this contract extension is thoroughly deserved - it was a 'no brainer' for us - and we all hope that he kicks on again once he has overcome this problem."

Clarke is delighted with his new contract:

"This contract is a massive thing for me - I love the Club and it's nice to be rewarded with a new deal. The negotiations started before the Play-Offs last season and as soon as I got injured, the Club said they would stand by me.

"It's a great feeling to have it signed and sealed and now I'm concentrating on my rehab. I've had the surgery on my knee, so now it's up to me to crack on. The physio is working me hard and I'm already starting to do things just two weeks after my surgery; I'm setting little goals to target.

"I thought I did well last season and the coaching staff have been really positive with me. It was nice to play in the big games, such as the Play-Offs. It's just a shame the injury occurred when it did - I was absolutely gutted to miss the away leg against Millwall.

"I still feel massively involved with the first team. It's tough when I have to go to the gym when the other players start training, but it's on the same site and the staff and the other lads are still keeping me involved.

"Obviously my main aim is to get back out on the pitch as soon as possible and carry on from what I was doing last season."

Tom, who was originally contracted until the summer of 2011, is a product of the Huddersfield Town Academy and made his first team debut for the Club during a League One game at Milton Keynes Dons in February 2005. A former England under-19 international, he has made exactly 100 career appearances, scoring three goals.

Tom Clarke's Playing Career:

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