By Gareth Vincent
South Wales Evening Post

Darren Pratley admits he would have been mad to leave Swansea City after signing a new long-term Liberty Stadium contract.

Pratley, whose previous terms were set to expire at the end of this season, has agreed an improved deal which is thought to tie him to Swansea until the summer of 2011.

And the former Fulham youngster concedes he did not need long to consider the club's offer.

''I believe that if something isn't broken you shouldn't try to fix it.'' Pratley said.

''I'm enjoying my football and I'm enjoying my life off the pitch. I've got a good relationship with the players, the staff and the fans and there was never any intention to leave.

''As a club we are going in the right direction and I'm hoping to carry on improving at the same time as the club.''

Pratley was a regular as Swansea stormed to the League One title last season and has been arguably their most impressive performer in the first month of the Championship campaign.

Signed by former boss Kenny Jackett for £100,000 two years ago, the 23-year-old has been an increasingly influential figure at the Liberty.

''Darren is someone who develops with every game he plays and we are delighted that he is staying to fulfil his potential with us,'' said boss Roberto Martinez.

''He has come on massively and I know he has ambition to play in the Premier League.

That goes hand in hand with the club's ambition and it's great that such a huge asset has committed to Swansea City.

''It's not just his abilities as a player, Darren is the ultimate professional and he represents the club in exactly the right way.''

Pratley follows Jason Scotland, Ferrie Bodde and Angel Rangel in agreeing an extended contract.

Securing his future is a major plus given the understanding he has with Bodde and Leon Britton in Swansea's richly impressive midfield.

''We have been playing together for a year now and I think we have gelled well,'' Pratley added.

''It's a good mix - Leon fetches and carries and is good on the ball, Ferrie can switch play because he's such a great passer and I have quite a bit of energy and can get forward.

''We enjoy playing together and hopefully we can carry on doing well.''

Martinez's men return to Championship action at Crystal Palace this weekend following the international break.

''It's early days yet, but it looks like we will be okay in this league if we carry on playing the way we have so far,'' Pratley said.

''Palace have some good young players and were a Premier League team not long ago, but I think we are quite good on the road and hopefully we can keep our good start going.''

Swansea's fans will be able to pay on the day at Palace.

Around 1,300 away tickets have been sold ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park.

Official travel club bookings need to be made immediately in the club shop.