Smithies has represented England at Under-19 level

Huddersfield Town have fought off competition from several Premier League clubs to keep goalkeeper Alex Smithies.

The 18-year-old England Under-19 international had been monitored by some top-flight sides, but he has now signed a new four-year deal.

Manager Lee Clark told the club website: "We have said from day one that we wanted to keep Alex.

"There have been several Premiership clubs watching - he is one of the best young goalkeepers in the country."

"Thankfully we have been able to secure his services.

"We showed him our ambitions and he wants to be a part of it, which is a fantastic coup for the club," his manager added.

He wants to continue to improve and he wants to play at the highest levels - hopefully he can do that with us Huddersfield manager Lee Clark

The academy graduate has been first choice in goal since taking over from Matt Glennon in early December and has produced a string of performance that brought him to the attention of other clubs.

Clark said: "This shows that we don't want to be a selling club - we want to keep the best players here and that has been demonstrated with the re-signing of Alex.

"The staff want to take the club forward and he can play a vital part in that.

"The club is a very happy place at the moment and to be able to re-sign someone like Alex is more terrific news.

"Goalkeepers can sometimes play up until the age of 40 and so Alex has a long career ahead of him, but he has already been fantastic for us in terms of his overall package; he is a great kid with a good temperament and he sets himself high standards both on and off the pitch.

"He wants to continue to improve and he wants to play at the highest levels - hopefully he can do that with us."

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