Albion prospect Lewis Dunk wants to put more pressure on his centre half rivals after earning a one-year contract extension.

The 19-year-old’s revised deal keeps him at the club until June 2013.

Dunk is currently fourth in the pecking order behind Gordon Greer, Adam El-Abd and Tommy Elphick.

He said: “I’m delighted. As soon as I signed as a pro last summer I wanted to push on for another contract.

“I am surprised how quickly it has happened. I didn’t think it would be until next year, when my contract would have been coming to an end.

“I am only young and I have got three good centre halves in front of me. I have got to prove I am as good as them and, when I get my opportunity, take it.”

Dunk has made five appearances this season, the last of them as a last-gasp substitute at Watford on Saturday.

Manager Gus Poyet said: “Everyone knows I liked him since the first day I saw him play against Everton in the FA Youth Cup.

“He has everything and he can get better. He has grown up a lot during the season and we are looking to keep our best players who have come through the youth set-up.”

Development squad midfielder Conor Wilkins, son of former Albion manager Dean Wilkins, has been released.