WIDNES Vikings half-back Tom Gilmore has committed his immediate future to the club by signing a new two year deal.

Gilmore, 20, a product of the successful Vikings Academy structure that has produced the core of Denis Betts’ squad, has plundered six tries in 10 appearances this season.

The Widnesian, who lives five minutes drive away from the Select Security Stadium, burst onto the scene in 2012 after making his debut against London Broncos.

Gilmore, this week signed his new contract which will mean he stays a Viking for Super League 2015 and 2016, and he says he excited by what he can achieve with Widnes in the future.

He said: “I’m very pleased to sign my contract and now focus on playing rugby league. “I feel I’ve got lots more to give Widnes and as I get older I think the supporters will really see what I’m about.

“Denis Betts trusts me and always has done.

“He knows what I’m capable of and I’m looking forward to developing even more and bringing that on to the pitch.”

The former England Academy International says he’s working hard to become a regular starter in Betts’ side in the next two seasons and he’s clear in his focus of where he wants to be.

He added: “I’m pleased to get some more game time this year and I’m keen to push on and get more games under my belt at the back end of the season.

“My plan has always been to stay at Widnes and eventually become the scrum-half here. Widnes Vikings is my home town club and I’m proud to represent it and pull on the shirt.

“I know there’s a lot of hard work ahead but my aim is to be a regular here and be Widnes’ half-back. I’ve been a part of the club for a long time now and that has to be my goal.”

Vikings coach Betts said: “Tom is really starting to mature as a player and I believe he’s a half-back with huge potential.

“He’s suffered a little bit with injuries so far in his Widnes career but that’s now behind him and we’ve seen him play a good number of games for the First team where he’s impressed.

“I’m really pleased that Tom has signed a two-year deal with the club as he is part of a young group of players that we have developed and they enhance our culture and environment.

“It’s important that we keep hold of young players like Tom who are improving all the time. He’s been in our system since he was a teenager and has come through the ranks.

“He is part of a group of players who we think will be develop and play a big part in making the club successful.”