West Bromwich Albion striker Ishmael Miller has been rewarded with a new five-year contract to stay at the Hawthorns until 2014.

Miller is currently sidelined with a knee injury, but his importance to the Baggies' long-term plans has been underlined by the bumper new deal.

The 22-year-old joined the club from Manchester City two years ago, initially on loan, and manager Roberto Di Matteo is delighted Miller has signed the contract.

"This is a massive boost for the club," Di Matteo told the club's official website.

"Ishmael has got all the attributes required to be a top striker.

"He's still going to be out for a while, but we're looking forward to having him back as soon as possible.

"He will be a big help to us when he does return. Obviously, Ishmael hasn't played for a while, so it's also good to see the club supporting him in this way.

"This new contract shows everyone at the club has a lot of faith in him."

Miller has been out of action since early December last year when he damaged cruciate ligaments against Portsmouth, having scored three Premier League goals before suffering the injury.