Kyle Bartley commits to Arsenal until 2014

YOUNG centre-back Kyle Bartley, who was on loan at Rangers last season, has signed a new contract with Arsenal.

It is understood that the 20-year-old has signed a two-year extension that will keep him in north London until 2014.

Bartley was on loan at npower Championship outfit Sheffield United before moving to Ibrox for the second half of last season, where he made five appearances before being forced to return to London early after suffering knee ligament damage. Bartley's progress has now been rewarded with a new deal and he will be looking to add to his solitary appearance for Arsene Wenger's side, which came in the Champions League tie with Olympiakos in December 2009.

The former reserve-team captain and FA Youth Cup winner featured in Sunday's Emirates Cup clash with New York Red Bulls and admitted last month that he felt ready to feature for Arsenal's first team. "If I'm honest, I don't think I was anywhere near the level to play for Arsenal last season," he said. "But I've come back, I feel really strong and I feel that I am ready now."