Welsh sharpshooter Sam Vokes today reflected on signing a new and extended Wolves contract by declaring the ambition to fight his way into the starting line-up next season.

 

The powerful frontman still had two years to run on a four-year contract, but has now put pen to paper on a new three-year which will tie him to Molineux until 2013.

 

And with the promise of more development to come, the Southampton-born 20-year-old is more than ready for the battles ahead.

 

"It's a great boost for me to have added an extra year to my contract," says Vokes.

 

"And the club staying in the Premier League has just added to it.

 

"It's nice security for me to come back for next season and know I've still got three years left on my deal.

 

"I've had limited time on the pitch for Wolves this year with a few substitute appearances.

 

"But I had a good spell on loan at Leeds which went well for me.

 

"I think I've still got a lot more to come.

 

"I do a lot of work with TC before and after training and at my age it's important to keep improving.

 

"Hopefully if I get a chance next season I take it because scoring goals in the Premier League is what I want to do."

 

Vokes has made a promising impact since arriving at Wolves from Bournemouth two summers ago.

 

He scored eight goals in Wolves' Championship winning season from just seven starts and a further 32 appearances as a substitute.

 

Aside from his spell at Elland Road last season, in which he scored once in eight appearances, he made three Wolves starts in cup competitions but also five in the Premier League as a substitute.

 

With this extended contract suggesting he is very much part of Mick McCarthy's future plans, he is now aiming to push on from the solid foundations.

 

 

"The gaffer likes to keep the squad together as much as he can," he added.

 

"It shows from last year how strong the team was that won the Championship because most of them are still here and have played a lot of games.

 

"From my point of view I want to come back for pre-season and try as hard as I can to push into the squad and the team.

 

"Adding an extra year to the deal just gives me that confidence and I know I've got time to work on the things I need to to try and make an impact.

 

"The Premier League is where everyone wants to be and I'm delighted to have had a taste of it this season.

 

"But now I want to build on that next year and hopefully get some more appearances and get some starts."

 

Wolves CEO Jez Moxey is delighted to see one of the club's young prospects extending his stay at Molineux.

 

"We are very pleased that Sam has committed to adding another year onto his current contract," says Jez.

 

"He is one of the exciting young players at the club that we have got high hopes for.

 

"He had a good spell on loan at Leeds where he contributed really well and came back an improved player who impressed the manager here.

 

"Given his age we still feel there is more development to come and are looking forward to seeing him challenging next season."

 

Vokes's season meanwhile is still not quite over.

 

Last night he completed the 90 minutes and had a goal ruled out for offside as Wales-under-21s were beaten 1-0 in Austria, while he will now join up with Wayne Hennessey, Dave Edwards and the senior Welsh squad for Sunday's friendly in Croatia.

"Croatia will be a good game to play in if selected," he says.

 

"It will be good to go away and with it being a friendly hopefully a lot of players will be used and I can get a decent runout.

 

"It will be good to get that under my belt and then come back ready for pre-season."