By Chris Jack

STEVEN SAUNDERS has vowed to cement a first-team place at Motherwell as a debt of thanks to manager Jim Gannon.

The 20-year-old's performances have been rewarded with a one-year extension to his current deal.

After committing his Fir Park future until 2012, Saunders is relishing the challenge of maintaining the Steelmen's SPL surge.

He said: "It was easy enough to decide. I am happy at Motherwell.

"They offered me a contract and I didn't have to think about it and it gives me an extra year on the deal I have got just now.

"The manager has definitely given the boys a chance and that is a good thing for me being a youngster.

"I have played quite a few games now so I am hoping that it continues.

"The manager has been a revelation up here. He knows what he wants to do.

"He has a philosophy of passing the ball about throughout the team and it seems to be working.

"He likes to give youngsters a chance so I am picking up a lot of first-team experience and that is what I want to do, just play football."

Saunders' rise to prominence in the Motherwell first team has come at the expense of club captain Stephen Craigan.

The Northern Ireland international has seen his chances limited this season after Saunders' impressive form.

But Craigan is still on hand to help the youngster learn his trade despite him moving in from the right to replace him in the side.

Saunders said: "I wanted to play centre-back last year, but it was just down to the circumstances that I played right- back.

"This year I have got my chance at centre-half and I just want to keep it and keep playing.

"Stephen still helps me during training and gives me tips."