JARED Hodgkiss' early-season form has been rewarded with a new two-year Albion deal.

The Baggies defender, who signed a 16-month contract in February, has committed his future to the club until June 2009, with a further year's option in the club's favour.

Hodgkiss played a major part in Albion's pre-season success and impressed at right-back in last Tuesday's 1-0 Carling Cup win against Bournemouth.

Manager Tony Mowbray said: "Jared did exceptionally well in pre-season and is someone we've liked since we came to the club.

"When we were trying to get out of this league last year, it was probably not the best time to throw a young boy in and expect him to help us get the points to get us up.

"At the start of this season we decided we were going to give him every opportunity.

"He did exceptionally well in pre-season.

"He's good with the ball at his feet and he understands the position and the job.

"His physicality is something that could hurt us in this league.

"But he's learning how to use his body all the time and how to position his body so he doesn't get exposed."

Hodgkiss has only been denied a more regular role so far this term by the arrival of Belgian international Carl Hoefkens.

"Carl is someone we basically brought in to lock up that position," added Mowbray.

"So rewarding Jared with this new contract was a very conscious decision.

"We wanted to make sure Jared knows how much we appreciate his talents.

"Hopefully, in the future, we'll see him being a big player for the club."

Twenty-year-old Hodgkiss, the reserve-team skipper, will be hoping to build on the five substitute appearances he has under his belt at Premier League and Championship level.

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