Tottenham midfielder Jamie O Hara has signed a three-year contract extension with the Lilywhites, writes Patrick Mooney. The 21-year-old started the season on loan to Millwall but was then given his chance by Spurs manager Juande Ramos. He has come a l

Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara has signed a three-year contract extension with the Lilywhites, writes Patrick Mooney.

The 21-year-old started the season on loan to Millwall but was then given his chance by Spurs manager Juande Ramos.

"He has come a long way in a short space of time so I congratulate him, and this new contract is recognition of his efforts," said Ramos this week.

"If he continues in the same vein, he'll become a very important player for us."

As well as impressing Ramos, O'Hara earned his first England Under-21 cap during last season.

"The boss is building a squad that is going to be up there challenging for honours and to be told that I am part of his long-term plans by giving me a three-year deal is good for me," said O'Hara, whose new deal runs until 2011.

"I just want to keep showing him that I want to progress and become one of the top players at Tottenham.

"To have another three seasons at the club that I have always wanted to play for is great."

And there was more good news for O'Hara when he was voted the One Hotspur Junior Members Player of the Year Award and the club's Supporters Trust Breakthrough Award.

"I'm very pleased to win the young player of the year awards," said O'Hara, who felt he had not played well against Liverpool - he was substituted at half-time.

"I would have liked to have played better against Liverpool. I had a poor game but it was was really pleasing to be voted the top young player.

"Coming from a Spurs background it's been great to play at the Lane. I'd waited a number of years to put on the shirt and make my debut, and it's been a dream since then.

"Overall, it has been a good season for me. Things did not go my way at the beginning of the season.

"I went out on loan, progressed as a player and got stronger. Then, when I came back the new manager gave me the opportunity to show people what I can do.

"Of course, not being involved in the Carling Cup final at Wembley was a huge disappointment for me.

"But I did not allow it to affect me and I bounced back. It was good to start the final game of the season against Liverpool. It is just a shame I did not play better.

"I'll have a few weeks off now but I can't wait for the pre-season to start. I want to prove to the manager that I am worth a place in the team. I will work hard to do that."

O'Hara, who made 25 senior appearances, also broke into the England Under-21 squad, winning his first cap under Stuart Pearce last month.