WIDNES Vikings prop forward Eamon O’Carroll has today signed a new two-year deal with the Club.

O’Carroll, 26, joined the Vikings from Hull FC in June 2012 and off the back off two successful seasons at the Select Security Stadium, Widnes boss Denis Betts has handed him a new deal as he looks to shape his squad for the future.

The former Wigan Warriors prop-forward is currently on the Vikings long term injury list with a shoulder problem which stems back from his stint with the Irish Wolfhounds at Rugby League World Cup 2013.

Denis Betts coached O’Carroll at the Warriors when O’Carroll was rising through the ranks and now he’s a key part of the Vikings setup.

Betts said: “Eamon is a massive asset to the Vikings. We are looking to bring in and retain quality players and Eamon falls into that category. He’s a player who really enhances our environment and he wants to make our group better every day he comes into work. He can still keep improving as a prop-forward and I’m looking forward to working with him over the next two years.”

O’Carroll says the Vikings are in the best shape they’ve ever been in their Super League history and he said that was a big factor for him signing a new contract.

He said: “I’m really pleased to sign the contract. Everyone talks about the Club moving forward, which it is, but from a player’s point of view the progress the Club has made in just the last two years has been massive.

“The level of professionalism at the Club now has to be up there with the best in Super League and I’m not just talking on the field either, the people off it are making a big difference in the offices and the coaching staff.

“The Club should be proud of where we are now after only joining Super League just a couple of years ago. So to be a part of building on that for another two years is something I’m immensely proud of.

“I’m very happy at Widnes and I’m enjoying my Rugby League here. It’s a great family Club and it’s somewhere where I’d like to spend the rest of my career. But first things first and I’ve got two years to improve and I’m looking forward to getting back on the field as soon as possible.”

Betts has already snapped up Stef Marsh, Liam Carberry and Paul Johnson in the last seven days.