Motherwell's talented youngster Steven Saunders says it was an easy decision to commit to the Fir Park outfit until 2012.

Well boss Jim Gannon confirmed the 18-year-old had been offered an extension after stating he had a 'bright' future.

Saunders, who has started six of the club's eight SPL games this season, is enjoying his first-team run and is pleased he has been given a chance.

He admits he was nervous prior to last weekend's fine goalless draw at Celtic, but adds the club's youngsters do not feel the weight of expectation on their shoulders.

"It was an easy decision to make to sign a contract extension," said Saunders. "The manager has given young players a chance and that's good for me.

"I've had quite a few games now and this gives me the chance to keep working under him.

"I was nervous before the game at Parkhead last weekend because it was the biggest crowd I had ever appeared in front of but I really enjoyed the experience.

"The manager just told me to keep calm because the way we play is calm and composed with lots of passing. It's better keeping possession than just hoofing the ball up the park.

"Our fans might have been worried when so many players left in the summer but we have a lot of talented players here and we've produced the results.

"There's no fear factor because we're too young to think about other people's expectations."