United forward Gary Madine has this morning signed a two-year contract extension which keeps him at the club until the summer of 2013.

Madine, 20 next Tuesday, was picked up by Youth boss Eric Kinder from the local football scene in the north-east in 2006 when a six-week trial spell with Middlesbrough came to an end for the youngster, and he quickly established himself as a prolific goal scorer with the Cumbrians' U18 and Reserve sides.

His performances earned him a two-and-a-half year deal shortly after he made his first-team debut in the televised game against Nottingham Forest in March 2008.

He has had loan spells with Rochdale, Chesterfield and Coventry City but he came to the fore at the end of last season with a run of five goals in nine games, including United's consolation in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final defeat against Southampton at Wembley.

He has one goal from his three appearances so far this season.

Manager Greg Abbott said: "Gary is playing regular football at the moment and we think that's what he needs at this stage of his career.

"He has shown real progress since he joined and the stability of this contract will allow that to continue. He showed us when he got his run in the team last season what he can do, and we now want to see that consistently.

"We're pleased to have this one tied down. We like working with Gary, he likes working with us, and it's good for all concerned that it will continue in that way."

Madine said: "I'm really pleased to extend my stay at the club for another two years.

"The chairman and gaffer pulled me in a few weeks ago and told me they had been impressed with the way I'd grown up as both a footballer and a person. They said they wanted to tie me down on a longer deal and I was quite happy to stay.

"Having that extra security of a new deal definitely helps and it means I can relax a bit more and concentrate on my football. Hopefully I can keep my place in the team and help the club continue the good start we've had this season."