Southend United youngster Jack Payne has penned a new contract with the League Two club until 2016.
The 20-year-old midfielder was able to trigger a clause in his previous deal after starting his 10th league game of the season against Northampton Town on Saturday.
"I'm over the moon at the news regarding Jack," manager Phil Brown told the club's official website. "He's a big player for us and he's a young man who is just at the start of what I'm sure will be an exciting career."
Southend are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Wycombe Wanderers in the league.
