BURTON Albion midfielder Kieran Wallace has signed a new contract at the Pirelli Stadium, keeping him with the club until the summer of 2020.
Wallace initially signed for The Brewers on non-contract terms in October, before signing a contract until the end of the current season in January.
The 24-year-old has made 14 appearances for Albion with three starts - including two 90-minute spells against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
With Wallace - who is comfortable playing both in defence and midfield - having impressed on his return to league football, manager Nigel Clough is pleased that Kieran will be staying longer-term with Burton Albion - and has challenged Wallace to kick on again over the next 18 months.
“We are delighted he is going to be around for next season,” said Clough.
“He initially came in just to train with us. He has impressed us and he has become a member of the first team squad now. His versatility is a positive.
“It’s going to be a big summer for him. We want him to work extremely hard and come back as one of the fittest players and force his way into the team.
“He’s 24 now so he’s not really a youngster but is in terms of his experience he still is. He wants to continue his career in football and now he has got his opportunity.”
Having spent last season playing for Matlock Town, Wallace went for a trial with an EFL club this summer only to suffer an injury that led to him missing the rest of pre-season.
Given the opportunity to train with The Brewers and impressing enough to sign a new deal, Wallace says he is enjoying life at Burton Albion and the former Sheffield United man wants to kick on once more in his career.
“I’m really pleased and I’m really enjoying it here,” said Wallace.
“I couldn’t have dreamed of this, this time last year. I’m here now and I want to enjoy it, and take the opportunity.
“It’s nice to get it done so early because now I can concentrate on playing football. It’s never nice the longer it goes, towards the end of your contract.
“To get it done so early on is really pleasing and I can just knuckle down now.”