GRAHAM POTTER has described Glenn Murray as an “ultimate professional” after the striker signed a contract extension.

Murray, 36, has agreed a new deal which will keep him at the Amex until June 2021.

The hitman scored the leveller in Albion’s 3-3 draw at West Ham on Saturday but had already been in talks with the club about extending his stay.

Murray’s future had been subject to speculation during the January transfer window but head coach Potter had insisted all along the popular frontman remained part of his plans.

And Potter is pleased he will continue to work with him.

Potter said: “I’m delighted Glenn’s agreed this new contract, and it’s one he deserves.

“He’s got it because of what he can bring to the team and squad.

“Everyone knows what Glenn brings to the club, and he’s an important member of the squad, both on and off the pitch – he showed that in abundance on Saturday at West Ham.

“I’ve always said he’s got a big part to play here.

“He’s happy and settled, he loves this club, and he’s been the ultimate professional on and off the pitch.

“Glenn keeps himself in fantastic shape and that takes great dedication.”

The deal keeps Murray on track to become Albion’s all-time record scorer. Murray, who has struggled for game time this season, is just 12 goals shy of Tommy Cook’s record of 123.

He told the club website: “The record was probably in my head at the start of this season, but with the way it’s panned out I obviously haven’t been playing as much.

“But it was good to get back on track at the weekend with the goal.

“The record will be talked about in the press again now and the club have given me a good opportunity to get there with this new deal – it’s something I’d love to achieve.”

Murray scored 12 Prem goals in Albion’s first season in the top-flight and was leading scorer again last term in the league with 13, when he became the club’s post-war record goalscorer and passed the 100-goal milestone for the Seagulls.