Curtis Weston celebrates with Luke Rooney after the youngster scores his first Gillingham goal against Exeter Picture: Barry Goodwin

Luke Rooney has signed a two year contract extension which keeps him at Gillingham until the summer of 2012.

The attacking midfielder was initially offered a new three year deal in October, which would have expired after the 2012/13 season, but an agreement couldn’t be reached.

Rooney, 19, was out of contract in the summer but the club had the option of extending that for a further year, something boss Mark Stimson was keen to do.

Now a new deal has finally been agreed, Stimson is looking forward to the player settling down and winning a place back in the first team squad.

Stimson said: "He’s got a little bit of security now, he’s happy with the deal and we’re happy with it from the club’s point of view. Now he’s got to work hard to get into the 18-man squad."

Rooney started his career in West Ham’s junior ranks, before joining Charlton Athletic and then Crystal Palace before enrolling on Gillingham’s youth programme. He was offered a professional deal in December 2008 and made his senior bow in the Carling Cup game against Plymouth on August 11.

He has been in and out of the Gills squad this year and has already netted twice, with goals against Exeter and Southampton. He has so far made six Gillingham appearances.