ST HELENS have moved to secure the immediate future of promising home-grown half-back Lee Gaskell.

The 20-year-old, one of a host of emerging stars at Saints, has signed a new three-year contract which will keep him with the club at least until the end of the 2013 season.

Gaskell made only two Engage Super League appearances last season but has started four of their last five matches and, in the current absence of Leon Pryce through injury and the likely imminent departure of Kyle Eastmond, is set for a prolonged run.

“Lee has stepped into the first team comfortably so far this season and is likely to get plenty of opportunity ahead,” said Saints head coach Royce Simmons.

“He has a good running and kicking game and the potential to become a regular member of the first team.”

Saints chairman Eamonn McManus added: “Lee is another product of our academy and has fitted seamlessly into a position initially vacated by injury.

“He has the ability to become a top Super League player for the Saints in the years ahead and is clearly very proud to be a part of team and the club.

“I know that we are assured of his absolute commitment to the Saints cause.”

The emergence of Gaskell, who formed an effective half-back partnership with another novice, Jonny Lomax, in St Helens’ 30-16 win at Leeds on Saturday, will take the urgency out of the club’s search for a replacement for Bath-bound Eastmond.

Eastmond remains suspended pending the conclusion of an internal investigation into alleged misconduct and, having confirmed a switch of codes at end of the season, seems increasingly unlikely to play for the club again.