Striker Ashton signs new West Ham deal

LONDON, England (CNN) -- West Ham striker Dean Ashton has signed a new five-year contract to keep him at the Premier League club until 2013.

The 24-year-old England forward, who made his debut against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, started discussions with the club as soon as the season finished last month.

Ashton said: "I am delighted. I said all along that I wanted to sign. I feel I have still got a lot to show the football club and the fans. I am really happy that I have signed and now I can look forward to next season."

Ashton -- who had two years left on his existing deal -- missed much of last season through injury and is keen to feature more prominently.

"I didn't play as many games as I wish I could and obviously I missed the season before," he said. "I am really excited about next season. I feel I can only get better so I am really glad that I have signed and can look forward to the future.

"I think after the injury I had as well, it is nice the club have managed to agree with me on a new deal. We are really looking to the future together."

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted that we have agreed this new contract with Dean. It underlines our ambition to progress and challenge at the top end of the Premier League.

"Dean is an important part of our plans for the for the new season and beyond. We are looking forward to seeing him scoring plenty of goals for West Ham United in the future."