West Brom have announced that 20-year-old goalkeeper Alex Palmer has put pen to paper on a new contract which will keep him at the club until at least2019.
Palmer has not featured in a first team gamefor the Baggies this season, or indeed ever, but remains highly-rated by the coaching staff and has beenon the bench many timessince May.
The young stopper, whospent the first half of the 2015/16 season on loan at Kidderminster Harriers and has also had trials with Hibs, spoke to theclub's official websiteabout his delight over the new deal.
West Brom goalkeeper Alex Palmer relishing 'nerve-racking' experience “ Birmingham Mail https://t.co/q0cBumgywf #Baggies
"It's great to finally get the deal sorted so I can focus on my football," he said.
"I just have to show I'm good enough and can be trusted to step in when I'm needed."
The youngster admitted the thrill of securing his future was a big moment, but insisted it wouldn't affect his concentration.
"For a few days I'll be buzzing because I've signed a new contract - I'm human after all!"But I know in football you have to switch straight back on and keep going as usual," he added.
Prior to officiallyextending his stay at West Brom,Palmer heaped praise on the club's current number one Ben Foster, who he cites as being a big influence on him
"Ben's been great - he's quite laid back and a very well liked character in the changing room.
"I watched him when I was growing up. For him to retain such a high level of goalkeeping in the Premier League is incredible."
Palmer will be hopeful of following in the footsteps of other young talents who have been given a first-team opportunity at the Hawthorns under Tony Pulis, such as Jonathan Leko - the 17-year-oldKinshasa-born midfielder has featured five times in the Premier League this season.