CHARLTON winger Jerome Thomas has been rewarded for his recent impressive performances with a new contract.

The 21-year-old, who joined the club in a £100,000 deal from Arsenal in January, has signed an extension to his existing deal that will keep him at The Valley until June 2007.

He said: "I'm very happy to sign a new deal and I'm delighted to commit myself to Charlton for the next three years. I'm not the kind of player who tries to use clubs as stepping stones to bigger things. Charlton have given me my chance in the Premiership and I'm very grateful for that.

"I think signing a new three-year deal shows that I want to remain loyal to this club and that I'm happy here."

Thomas made his first start for the Addicks during the 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace in the Carling Cup in late October.

The former England under-20 international's performance was one of the few plusses in a disappointing display, and he retained his place in the side for the visit of Middlesbrough in the Premiership three days later.

Thomas has now featured in Charlton's last seven league matches and has played a key role in their record of four wins in the last six games.

He memorably scored his first Premier League goal and created another two during the 3-2 victory against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in early November.

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley said: "Jerome has really grabbed his chance since he came into the first team. "He has worked hard and done really well, and he fully deserves the reward of a contract extension. I hope he will continue to perform as he has done so far."