MATTHEW Kilgallon, Leeds United's York-born central defender, has signed a two-and-a-half year extension to his contract, designed to keep him at Elland Road until the summer of 2008.

It is the reward for some excellent performances from the 21-year-old since he forced his way back into the first team alongside skipper Paul Butler at the expense of the experienced Sean Gregan.

Kilgallon's existing deal was due to expire next summer and he said: "I am thrilled to sign a new contract. I grew up at this club and obviously feel very strongly about what has happened in the past few years and what the fans have been through.

"Everyone here is determined to restore the club to its rightful place in the Premier League and we are all working hard to make that happen."

Former Tadcaster Grammar School pupil Kilgallon, who started out as a striker, was at York City at schoolboy level before walking into Thorp Arch and asking Leeds for a trial.

Many have compared the way he plays to former Leeds central defender Jonathan Woodgate, but Kilgallon, from Appleton Roebuck, says: "I am my own player as well. The 'Chief' (Lucas Radebe) was my role model on and off the pitch and I would love to be like him. I trained with The Chief and Woody when I was younger and learned a lot from them

"I have had to fight for my place at Leeds, but it's my shirt at the moment and I will continue to work hard to keep it."

Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell said: "We are trying to keep our best young players to build for the future and we are delighted that Matthew wants to be part of that future. We have not seen the best of Matthew yet so the next few years should be very exciting for him and the club."

Killa, as he is known to team-mates and supporters alike, is a firm favourite with the Leeds crowd who appreciate his pace, work ethic and willingness to bring the ball out of defence.

He made his 50th appearance for the first team in Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat at Crewe and had a spell on loan at West Ham during the 2003-4 season.

Left-back Stephen Crainey injured his left ankle last night as Leeds reserves were beaten 1-0 by Blackburn at South Leeds Stadium. Crainey, who has lost his first team place to Dan Harding, limped off seven minutes into the second half but the injury is thought to be no worse than bruising.

Keith Barker's 11th minute goal settled the game in Blackburn's favour on a heavy pitch, which was only passed fit for play on the morning of the match.

Updated: 11:45 Thursday, November 03, 2005