91Èȱ¬

Worcestershire all-rounder Gareth Andrew has signed a contract extension that will keep him at New Road until the end of the 2013 season.

Andrew, 27, admits there was interest from other counties but he was more than happy to stay.

He told : "Since I have moved to Worcester I have been in a really good dressing room.

"I am very happy and I am playing cricket. I just want to play all forms and do as well as I can for Worcester."

Andrew has taken 53 wickets in all forms of the game and also scored 807 runs.

These statistics currently see him currently ranked second in the PCA's Overall MVP rankings behind Somerset's Marcus Trescothick.

Andrew says the club's policy of bringing through the younger players was another factor in his decision because he feels the Pears have a bright future.

"Hopefully, with the nucleus of this side, we are going to be a force to be reckoned with," he said.

"There were a few other clubs interested in me but I enjoy this club and the area.

"If all the youngsters keep on coming through as they have been, things will be looking good," he added.

Gareth Andrew joined Worcestershire from Somerset in 2008 and has become a first-team regular in all forms of cricket.

The all-rounder admits the interest from elsewhere was flattering but he is relieved his future is now settled so he can focus on his cricket.

"It's a nice thing to be wanted but it does take you away from the game a little bit.

"It's one of those things that we have to deal with.

"But it's good to get it all done and dusted as we come out of the end of the hectic twenty20 period."