Jamie O'Hara, the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, has signed a contract extension to keep him at White Hart Lane until 2011.

The 21-year-old started the season on loan to Millwall but was then given a chance by Juande Ramos, the Tottenham manager, and eventually earned his first England Under-21 cap.

"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," O'Hara said. "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 now I just can't wait for pre-season to begin."

O'Hara's versatility saw him feature in midfield and at left-back, although he was left in tears at Wembley when he was left out of the squad for the Carling Cup final.

Ramos has been impressed with O'Hara's workrate and has told the youngster he is part of his long-term plans. "Jamie has earned his time on the pitch this season," the Spaniard said. "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. If he continues in the same vein he will become a very important player for us."