Norwich City defender Russell Martin proclaimed himself 'absolutely delighted' after penning a new three-year contract at Carrow Road.

The 26-year-old has been a cornerstone of the Canaries' success in their last three seasons and new manager Chris Hughton had no hesitation in rewarding Martin with a new deal.

'It's brilliant. I'm extremely delighted, my family and I are really happy around here,' said Martin, whose previous contract ran out in 2014. 'It's a pleasure and an honour to be playing for a club of this size and stature.

'The last three years have been brilliant, and hopefully the next three can be just as good. As soon as the club spoke about it (signing a new contract), it didn't take long to get sorted because I'm so happy here personally.

'We've got a great bunch of lads so I'm really pleased to get it sorted so early on. I can now come back in pre-season raring to go.'

Martin believes the future is bright for the Canaries under Hughton and is looking forward to working under the former Birmingham boss.

'I think it's a great appointment for the football club,' he told the club's official website. 'I think he's done extremely well wherever he's been, at Newcastle and at Birmingham, then of course as a coach and assistant manager at previous clubs.

'I think if you look at what he did at Birmingham especially, with the size of the squad and amount of games they had to play, he's done a brilliant job and he's bringing a good coaching staff with him. So it all bodes well and it's all positive for the football club.

'The board have made a decision and as players we all welcome it, and hopefully given a bit of time we can all work well together.'

Despite only being installed as manager yesterday, Hughton believes Martin's performances in the Premier League thoroughly merit a new contract.

'Having just been appointed as manager I'm delighted that one of my first actions is to offer Russ this new three year deal,' he said. 'He's had a fantastic couple of seasons here since joining the Club in January 2010 and this new deal shows what's he's done for the Club over that time. He's been an ever-present and has shown he's a versatile player playing at both right-back and in the centre last season.

'Russ deserves this new contract and I'm delighted that he will be here for the next three years.'