Saunders extends Motherwell stay

Saunders has broken into the Motherwell team this season

Motherwell defender Steven Saunders has signed a contract that ties him to Fir Park until the summer of 2012.

The 18-year-old, who has been a regular starter this season, penned a one-year extension to his current deal.

"It was an easy decision to make," said Saunders, who was signed from the Queen's Park youth ranks in 2008.

"The manager has given young players a chance and that's good for me. I've had quite a few games now and this gives me the chance to keep working under him."

Manager Jim Gannon offered Saunders the deal last week and told BBC Scotland: "It's always been my belief, not to buy a team but to build a team."

Gannon was forced to quickly promote some of his younger players after the loss of several more experienced professionals before his appointment in the summer.

"The players have done really well and stepped up to the plate to do a man's job," he added.

"We could not give everybody contracts straight away as these things take time.

"But I am delighted to be slowly but surely adding each player to the long-term future of the club.

"My wish is to get them all bedded-in for this season and work hard with them to grow, over the next two or three years, into a really good team."