Swansea City have secured promising defender Liam Shephard to a new deal.
The 20-year old full-back has penned a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Swans and is now looking to continue his development in order to work his way into Garry Monk's first team.
"It was a bit of relief for me as my contract was up at the end of the season, so I'm delighted to sign a new deal," he told the club's official website.
"The length of the deal allows me to really concentrate on attempting to work my way up at the club.
"I've worked really hard to get this far, but now it's about continuing to work hard, learn as much as I can and hopefully I can then break into the first-team plans.
"Having seen a number of young players at the club achieve that it gives me plenty of hope, although I realise it will be a tough challenge."
Shephard is a key figure in Swansea's U21s side but is yet to make his senior debut despite being an unused substitute on six occasions.
Young #Swans defender @Liam_Shep2 signs new two-and-a-half year deal - http://t.co/scpqvMMSa5pic.twitter.com/8JGoMJjLyn
— Swansea City FC (@SwansOfficial) January 5, 2015
