FORMER Pickering Town loanee Matty Jacob has signed a new three-year contract with Hull City - with the option for a further year.

The 22-year-old defender only made his senior debut for the Tigers in their defeat at Sheffield Wednesday on New Year's Day, but has featured seven times since for Liam Rosenior’s play-off chasers. 

Jacob's first start in black and amber was also a memorable affair as he scored a late equaliser to force an Emirates FA Cup third round replay against Birmingham City. 

However that proved to be in vain, with the Blues coming from behind to seal their progression with a 2-1 triumph at St Andrew’s 10 days later.

“I’m delighted for him and for the club,” Rosenior told BBC Radio Humberside. “He’s so deserving of a long-term contract.

“I love having people like Matty in the building. He’s low-maintenance, hard-working and brilliant for our culture.

“He’s got a lot of improving to do but I’m sure with his temperament he’ll get to where he wants to be.

“He sums up everything I want in a young professional. He lives, breathes and eats football. He’s going to have a very good career.”

Jacob first linked up with the Tigers aged nine, progressing through the ranks to become captain of the club’s Under 21s before being given his first taste of senior football earlier this year.

He joined the Pikes on loan from Hull in February 2019, going on to be voted as the club’s Player of the Season as they earned a 16th placed finish in the Pitching In Northern Premier League division one east in 2018-19.

Two years later he moved to Gateshead on loan, making 37 appearances as they claimed the Vanarama National League North title in 2021-22.

Having spent the majority of last season sidelined with injury, Rosenior is delighted that Jacob has taken his opportunity with both hands this term.

He added: “Matty has been unlucky with injury in previous months, but I always had a feeling that once he got his opportunity, he would grab it.”