Dave Edwards today became the latest of Wolves' talented young players to commit himself to Molineux as he put pen to paper on a three-year contract.

Dave, who had 12 months remaining of his previous deal, had been in talks about extending the contract since the end of last season and today put pen to paper as the team returned for pre-season training.

It's just reward for an impressive 18 months at Wolves since arriving from Luton, with the Welsh international midfielder having featured in 44 of the 46 league games last season helping the team to the Championship title.

"I'm delighted to sign the new contract," Dave said this morning.

"It's something that had been ongoing over the summer but with holidays and international duty it's just taken a bit of time to get sorted.

"It's great to get it done today on the first day of pre-season.

"To know I'm going to be here for another three years and that the manager wants me here is something I'm very proud of particularly having come here from a lower league club.

"Signing a contract to go into the Premier League is something I have to pinch myself about if I look back over the last three or four years.

"I'm certainly not taking anything for granted though and feel very privileged to be in the position I'm in."

The 23-year-old admits he has been delighted with his progress since arriving at Molineux, but also knows it's a whole new challenge pitting his wits against some of the world's top players in the Premier League.

He added:  "When I first came to Wolves I didn't really know how much of a part I'd play in the team.

"I just wanted to work hard and see what happened.

"I managed to get into the team and then managed to play a big part last year and even if I didn't start all the games I was involved in most of them.

"I certainly feel I'm part of the squad and looking forward to trying to carry on being involved next season.

"Going into the Premier League is the next challenge and I just want to give it my best and try and become a Premier League player."

Karl Henry, Kevin Foley and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake have already agreed new long-term contracts this season while experienced captain Jody Craddock signed a one-year extension at the weekend.

That is a sign of how Mick McCarthy has rewarded his developing young players, but Dave is also braced for an intense battle for places as the search for new faces continues.

"The gaffer has got a very good nucleus here which he doesn't want to break up and the lads have done their utmost on the pitch to help each other and help the team be successful," he said.

"It's good that he's keeping the squad together but he's obviously also going to bring in some extra quality as well to add to what's already here."