Little signs new long-term deal

The club have tied the teenage defender to a new deal extending to 2010 after a clutch of Premiership clubs - including at least one of the "big four" of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool - started tracking the England under-19 star.

Top-flight scouts have been watching Little since the turn of the year and there were genuine fears that the rookie right-back might be poached in the summer.

"I have signed until 2010 and it's great for me," Little said."There has been talk of a few of the bigger clubs looking around now but it's not time to leave here.

"I'm a Wolves fan and I always have been. If they are in the Premiership it would be a dream come true for me to play for them there."

The move also signals another significant step in Mick McCarthy's long-term blueprint for success at Molineux.

The boss is keen to secure long-term deals for the club's most promising young talent and sees Little as one of Molineux's "crown jewels".

Little, who had 18 months to run on his existing deal, has been an ever present since returning the side at Birmingham on November 18.

And he revealed that McCarthy has challenged him to start taking charge in the dressing room.

"The gaffer has been encouraging me to take a bit more responsibility as well. He wants me to become a more senior player," Little said.

"He said to me that at the start of the season I was getting used to the team, whereas now I'm part of the team and I shouldn't be afraid to tell people what I think and my opinions on what people should be doing."

Little also revealed that a pep talk from coach Terry Connor has helped the club's young guns to make an impact this season.

"I have been in the right place at the right time," admitted Little.

"Terry Connor sat us down at the start of the season and said: 'Look at what's happening at the club, some of these big players are leaving so here is your chance - take it.'

"It just happened that the club changed at the right time for me," he added.