Will Smallbone pens new deal with Southampton

Republic of Ireland midfielder Will Smallbone has signed a new three-year deal with Southampton.

The 23-year-old missed the Saints' victory over QPR last Saturday due to an ankle injury but he's expected to return for the weekend clash at Sunderland.

Crowned the FAI's Under-21 player of the year back in June, Smallbone has now established himself in Stephen Kenny's senior side and will be part of the squad for September's Euros qualifiers against France and the Netherlands.

He'd reportedly been on Sheffield United's radar but Southampton have tied Smallbone down with a new deal until 2026.

"It's been in the works for a little while now, so I'm happy to finally get it over the line and looking forward to the future," he said.

"And for me coming back [he was on loan at Stoke City last season], not being here last year, coming back and seeing the change and everything that's happened has been a breath of fresh air.

"I was really excited to work with the manager [Russell Martin] having played against [Swansea] last year and their style of play, I thought it was something that would really help me.

"And yeah, it's only grown since I've come back, that belief and positivity in the side and myself, I've really enjoyed it."

Sputhampton director of football Jason Wilcox was full of praise for the academy graduate, adding: "Will has been here since the age of eight and knows exactly what it means to play for this club.

"He has really bought into Russell's philosophy and has already shown how important he is to our project and I’m delighted he has signed this new contract."

Watch Galatasaray v Molde in the Champions League play-off round second leg on Tuesday from 7.45pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player

Watch the draw for the group phase of the