Wolves ace McAlinden signs new Molineux deal

The 20-year-old striker's deal was due to expire this summer but the club had a 12-month option in their favour, but the new agreement keeps him at Molineux until 2016.

McAlinden becomes the latest homegrown player to pledge his future to the club this season after Aaron McCarey, Matt Doherty, Danny Batth and Jack Price.

And the Cannock-born forward, who has been with the club since he was eight, had no hesitation in accepting the deal.

"When I was offered a new deal by the club I didn't have to think twice," said McAlinden, who scored the winner in front of 9,000 Wolves fans at MK Dons last month.

"I've been here for a long time now – 12 years – and I've thoroughly enjoyed the experience."

McAlinden highlighted the input of head coach Kenny Jackett in improving his game and is now focused on trying to help Wolves become a force in the Championship next season.

"The gaffer really knows the game and I'm learning a lot from him," he said.

"It's great we've been promoted and hopefully I'll play my part in us having a good year when we return to the Championship next season.

"Everyone dreams about playing in the Premier League and I'd love to be able to do that with Wolves.

"Scoring that goal at MK Dons was a tremendous feeling – something I'll never forget."

Jackett gave McAlinden his full debut against Walsall in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in September – when he scored – before sending him on loan to Shrewsbury, where he scored three goals in nine games, five as starts.

The Molineux boss then brought him back to Wolves early and gave him his full League debut and currently only start in the competition for the club in the 0-0 draw at Stevenage on March 29.

"I'm very pleased Liam has agreed to spend his near future with Wolves," he said.

"Everyone at the club believes he has a good future here.

"He's got stronger and quicker and has improved immensely.

"I believe he'll continue to improve and be a real force for the club."

Wolves have delayed talks on the futures of senior players out of contract this summer Richard Stearman, Dave Edwards and George Elokobi.

They have also yet to make an announcement on the futures of untried out-of-contract youngsters Jamie Tank, Michael Ihiekwe, Jordan Cranston, Kristian Kostrna, Jim Kellerman and Carlo Erdei.