McHugh played for Scotland Under-19s in Serbia last month

Scotland Under-19 striker Robert McHugh is the latest young talent to commit his long-term future to Motherwell.

The 18-year-old has signed a contract extension until the summer of 2013.

McHugh told the Motherwell website: "I'm delighted to have signed the contract, which gives me that little bit more security.

"Last season was reasonable for me. It was great to get my first goal and my first start and I want to try and build on that."

McHugh broke into the Motherwell first-team two years ago, making his debut as a 16-year-old when then manager Mark McGhee introduced him as a substitute in the final game of the season against Hibernian at Easter Road.

There's a lot of talent at Motherwell and it's difficult to hold down a place, but that's my aim in the coming season Motherwell striker Robert McHugh

The striker has played a further 17 times, scoring his first senior goal against Flamurtari in the Europa League second qualifying round in July.

He grabbed his first domestic strike against Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the League Cup two months later.

McHugh, who played in Scotland Under-19s failed bid to qualify for the European Championship finals last month, is the latest in a long line of talented youngsters who have committed their future to Fir Park.

Jamie Murphy, Ross Forbes, Shaun Hutchinson, Jonathan Page, Steven Saunders, Peter Innes, Gary Smith, Jordan Halsman, Dario Quinn and Steven Lawless all having signed contract extensions in the last nine months.

"There's a lot of talent at Motherwell and it's difficult to hold down a place, but that's my aim in the coming season," added McHugh.

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