YORK City Knights' homegrown hooker, Harry Carter, has signed a two-year extension to his contract, keeping him at Bootham Crescent until the end of 2019.

The 23-year-old, who rose through the old academy and reserve ranks, made his first-team debut as a teenager in 2013, became more regular in 2015 and enjoyed a real breakthrough season in 2016.

He has missed the last eight games this term after needing an emergency hernia operation in June but is in contention to return to action next Sunday when York host Doncaster in a key League One Super 8s match at Bootham Crescent.

Carter said: “I’m excited to sign for a further two years at the Knights. The club and fans have shown me nothing but support since I first made my pro debut here.

“The club has real passion and intent to be successful and I want to be part of that journey.

"The playing group is getting better each week, and securing my future with York means I can focus on improving my game further and contributing to the team.”

Carter becomes the sixth player to agree terms for next year and beyond, following Ronan Dixon, Adam Robinson, Brad Hey and local favourites Ash Robson and Joe Porter. 

He added: "It makes it 10 times easier to sign a two-year-deal when some of your good mates have also signed."

Head coach James Ford - who taught Carter at Wakefield College as well as bringing him through the Knights' youth system - said: “I’m delighted Harry is staying with us long term.

"It will be great to see him back playing to a good level now he’s recovered from his hernia injury.

“It’s great to see him happy and also taking up plenty of leadership responsibilities despite still being one of the younger members of the group.

“I do feel there’s even more levels in him and it’s up to me to get that out of him. When we do, we’ll have one heck of a player.”