WIDNES Vikings full-back Olly Ashall-Bott has signed a two-year extension until the end of the 2020 season.

Ashall-Bott has been with the Vikings through every stage of its youth pathway, from the Development Squad through to the first team in 2018.

Ashall-Bott, who has represented St Maries and Widnes Moorfield ARLFC in the community game, also carries the honour of representing England at youth-level.

After impressing in the Festive Derby against Warrington Wolves in pre-season, Ashall-Bott made his first team debut this year for his home-town club against Castleford Tigers in Round Two.

Ashall-Bott has gone on to make seven appearances this season, scoring two tries, before a knee injury suffered against Salford Red Devils cut short his season.

Despite this, Ashall-Bott’s performances for the Vikings have provided a bright spark to the first team squad. With the full-back committing his future to the Club, his long-term aim now is to gain a regular starting spot for 2019.

Ashall-Bott said: “It was a no-brainer for me. I’ve had a couple of other clubs get in touch, but as soon as the offer was on the table from Widnes, I was always going to sign.

“I’m a home-town lad, so it was an easy decision to make. I want there to be only one club in my life.

“2018 has been a mixed year for me, but I was able to get a few games together and show everyone what I can do until my injury at Salford.

“People have talked about their worry in the past about my injury record, but I’ve come back stronger after every one of them, and I plan to do the same with this, too.

“The aim for me now is to get back to full fitness, get into that team every week and give my best for the club I’ve supported all my life.”

Francis Cummins said: “We are delighted that Olly has committed his future to Widnes Vikings for the coming seasons.

“Olly has been great for us since coming into the side, and has worked really hard to get where he is. Olly has that ‘X-Factor’ about him and provides us with a real threat from full back.

“He still has aspects of his game that he needs to work on, and he’s still learning the game, but he has a bright future if he continues in the way he is.

“With Olly gathering interest from elsewhere in the Betfred Super League, it’s a great move for the Club to secure his services for the coming years.”