Carlton Morris has committed his long-term future to promoted Luton Town after signing a contract extension.
The 27-year-old forward joined the Hatters from Barnsley last summer and was the club's top goalscorer with 20 goals as they won promotion to the Premier League after beating Coventry City on penalties in the Championship playoff final.
"I didn’t need any persuading," Morris told the club’s official website. "I love working with the gaffer. Our relationship is as good as I’ve ever had with any manager and obviously tactically and technically, his man-management all speaks for itself.
“There is no reason why we can’t go and make a statement for ourselves in the Premier League next season.
“I think everyone is so excited to get ready. It’s not like a normal close season. Everyone seems 10 per cent even more at it than last season, if that were possible. We are just champing at the bit to get back at it.”
Morris, who started his career at Norwich City, was voted Luton's 2022/23 Players’ Player of the Year alongside Tom Lockyer.
“His goals were influential last season, but whenever I spoke about him or was asked about him, it was his all-round game and what he brought to the team, whether it was hold-up play, work-rate, headers, defensive headers in his own box from corner," Luton manager Rob Edwards added.
"It was everything that he gave the team, as well as the goal threat.
“He’s got great experience now, but he’s a good age, someone who is really hungry, and he deserves the opportunity now to have a go in the Premier League.
“If you look over the last 10 years-plus, there have been a lot of strikers that have done well in the Championship, stepped up and then have gone and done well in the Premier League as well, and let’s hope Carlton is one of them.”
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Morris will join his team-mates for the start of pre-season training next Thursday.
Luton kick off their first season in the Premier League with a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on 12 August.