Watford striker Britt Assombalonga has signed a new contract until 2014, with the club having the option of a further year.

Assombalonga has made four first team appearances for Watford but it is out on loan where the 20-year-old has impressed most.

The forward, who was signed as a scholar after impressing on one of the club’s community trust courses, scored 11 goals in 15 appearances at Ryman Premier side Wealdstone last season before netting five goals in as many games at Braintree Town in the Conference.

Assombalonga has continued to impress this campaign with 12 goals in 28 outings for League Two Southend United and is expected to remain at Roots Hall until the end of the season.

The forward was back at the Hornets’ London Colney training ground this week as he finalised his new contract.

Assombalonga becomes the fifth Watford Academy graduate to sign a new contract with the club since the summer, following in the footsteps of Bernard Mensah, Connor Smith, Sean Murray and Tommie Hoban.