MATTHEW Briggs has set his sights on a place in the Fulham first-team after committing his future to Craven Cottage .
The England U19 defender this week signed a contract extension that will keep him in SW6 until 2014.
Briggs became the youngest player in Premier League history when he made his debut as a 16-year-old against Middlesbrough in 2007.
But he found opportunities limited under Lawrie Sanchez and Roy Hodgson before being given his chance by new boss Mark Hughes .
The left-back was handed starts against Chelsea and Arsenal after impressing against Port Vale in the Carling Cup, only to suffer a setback after being forced to have an operation to release pressure in his calves.
However, Briggs is now back to fitness and hopes to force his way back into Hughes's plans.
He told the official site: "It's been frustrating with different managers having to prove myself again and again.
"Since Mark Hughes has arrived I've pushed my foot through the door a little bit.
"I'm hoping to get back in the matchday squad before the end of the season and get a few games.
"I've had a few setbacks along the way with injuries but that will make me stronger in the long run."
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