Norwich City midfielder Elliott Bennett has signed a two-year contract extension keeping him at Carrow Road until 2016.

Bennett is currently sidelined after undergoing knee ligament surgery following the opening day Premier League draw against Everton. The 24-year-old will not return until the New Year but the Telford-bred midfielder revealed last night he is delighted at the faith shown in him by the club's hierarchy.

'Obviously I wasn't expecting it being injured, but it's fantastic,' he said. 'I appreciate the support of everyone at the club, right from the fans to everyone here. Hopefully I can repay their faith in me once I'm back fit. It's been a great two years so far and what we've achieved in that time has been absolutely brilliant. Hopefully we can do as well as that, and maybe aim a little bit higher as well.'

Bennett has made 64 senior appearances for the club since joining from Brighton ahead of City's return to the Premier League in 2011. Norwich boss Chris Hughton believes the wide midfielder's contract extension can provide a major fitnes boost in his recovery from a long-term injury.

'It's nice timing for Elliott as he's going through a big chunk of the season injured, so it just shows that we have that faith in him,' Hughton told the club's official site. 'He's such a good individual, so we feel he'll be fine coming through. We're really delighted for Elliott and he thoroughly deserves it. We all know about the injury he picked up in the first game of the season against Everton, so I'll say particular thanks to our chief executive, the chairman and the board, who were very much in support of this.'