Norwich City midfielder Bradley Johnson admitted tonight life could not be sweeter after signing a new improved contract keeping him at Carrow Road until 2016.

The 25-year-old has pledged his longer term future to the Canaries after becoming a key part of Chris Hughton's Premier League plans this season. Johnson has missed only one top flight game at West Ham through suspension during the current campaign and has forged an impressive central midfield partnership alongside Norwegian international Alex Tettey.

The former free transfer signing from Leeds had 16 months left on his existing deal but revealed he had no hesitation in emulating the likes of team mates John Ruddy and Wes Hoolahan by extending his stay at the Canaries.

'I'm absolutely delighted. As soon as I heard that the club wanted to sit down and sort a new deal I just wanted to get it done and I'm delighted that it has,' said Johnson. 'I think I'm playing the best football of my career and I'm playing in the best league in the world. I think this is a club that is moving forward and I want to be a part of that. We've proved that we're good enough to be here and we know how hard it is to stay in this league, but we work as hard as we can to do exactly that. It's been a good time for me. I had the arrival of my baby boy three weeks ago and now I've signed a new contract.'

Johnson flew back into the country earlier today along with the rest of Hughton's senior squad following a four-day warm weather training camp in Abu Dhabi. The combative midfielder is likely to have a key role in helping the club secure their Premier League status after blossoming under Hughton's guidance this season.

'I'm absolutely delighted we have secured the services of Bradley Johnson,' Hughton told the club's official site. 'He has been a tremendously consistent performer for us in midfield not just this season, but since he joined the club from Leeds United.'

Johnson has made 57 appearances for the club since leaving Elland Road in July 2011 after learning his trade in the lower leagues. The midfielder was taken on by Cambridge United after being released by boyhood club Arsenal as a teenager. Johnson also had spells at Northampton, Ebbsfleet and Stevenage which eventually paved the way to a £250,000 move to Yorkshire in 2008.