Swansea City's rising young star Joe Allen has agreed a new three-year contract with the club.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who made his senior Welsh debut against Estonia last month, returned for pre-season training having committed himself to the Swans until 2012.

"I'm thrilled to be signing a longer deal,'' declared Allen. "I love playing for the club and I believe there are exciting times ahead.

"My aim is to build on the foundations I made last season and try and establish myself as a regular in the matchday squad and then the starting line up."

And Allen believes he can benefit from the arrival of new boss Paolo Sousa, one of the best midfielders to have graced the European stage.

"I've been lucky with my last two managers because both of them have been former midfielders. I think all the players are excited about working under the new manager and I'm sure I will benefit greatly from his experience as a player and a coach.

"I've had a great summer, making my full international debut for Wales. It was a very proud moment for me and I hope I can carry that feeling on throughout the new season.''

Swans chairman, Huw Jenkins, confirmed: "We started speaking to Joe at the end of last season about a new contract and I'm delighted that he sees his long-term future with Swansea City.

"He has gradually improved and grown into the team and is now without doubt a big asset for us.

"I am sure he can continue to go from strength to strength under Paulo Sousa. The fact that Joe is also a midfielder means he couldn't have asked for a better person to help him develop over the next few years."

Allen has been with the club since the age of nine, emerging through the junior and youth ranks to sign a three-year pro contract in August 2007.

The Pembrokeshire product made his league debut as a 17-year-old in the final game of the 2006-07 season as a substitute against Blackpool.

He has since gone on to command a regular place in the first team squad and scored his first league goal against Cardiff City at Ninian Park last season.

"Joe shows just how important our youth policy is - and will be in the future,'' added Jenkins.