Oakley has been in superb form this season

Southampton midfielder Matthew Oakley has signed a two-year extension to his contract at St Mary's.

Oakley's deal will keep him at the club until June 2006.

The improved deal caps a great week for Oakley who was made skipper for Saturday's FA Cup tie against Millwall.

If Oakley sees out his new contract it will mean he will have been at the club for 10 years and will be eligible for a testimonial.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted to have signed because I can see a lot of good things happening at this club and want to be part of them.

"It was all very straightforward. The club said they wanted to offer me a two-year extension and that suited me just fine.

"It was just a question of sorting out figures and it all went very smoothly.

There was never any doubt that I wanted to sign Matthew Oakley

"I would not have signed though if I did not see a promising future for the club. I am ambitious but I believe I can have success here.

"The club is in a very strong position. We have a small squad but a good one and we have been on a good winning streak.

"The new stadium has made a big difference, we are filling it every week and, unlike some clubs, we are financially stable.

"We have some good players, a good manager and the future is looking good and there was never any doubt that I wanted to sign."