ASHLEY Nathaniel-George has signed an extended contract at Southend United.

The 25-year-old winger, who initially signed on a short-term basis, caught the eye in the Shrimpers’ 2-0 triumph against Colchester United on Boxing Day.

And Blues boss Mark Molesley has now confirmed Nathaniel-George has put pen to paper on a new deal which expires at the end of next season.

“Ash is tied down now,” said Molesley.

“I take my hat off to our recruitment there because I think we’ve found a really exciting winger with loads of potential.

“He showed his creative side against Colchester but I was also impressed with his work off the ball and doubling up with Sam Hart who got booked quite early on.

“It’s a long term plan for him and us but he needs to keep matching that work-rate.”

Nathaniel-George has made 12 appearances since joining Blues from Crawley Town in and Molesley was particularly impressed by the winger’s display against the U’s.

“I don’t like to single players out but I thought he was magnificent,” said Molesley.

“He ended up missing three weeks with Covid and we’re only just getting him up to speed again.

“But anyone who saw his performance would have enjoyed it and that was both his creative side and the shift he put in too.”