Gillett has an option to extend the two-year deal (Getty Images)

Southampton midfielder Simon Gillett has signed a new two-year deal at St Mary's with the option of another year.

The 22-year-old told the Saints' website: "Now it is up to me to make the breakthrough.

"There was a time when I wondered whether it would have to move on to get first-team football."

Gillett had successful loan spells at Yeovil and Blackpool but struggled for appearances at Southampton under former bosses George Burley and Nigel Pearson.

He is the first out-of-contract Saints player to have his future officially confirmed.