Tom Catterick starts an attack for Newcastle Falcons against Saracens © Getty Images

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Newcastle Falcons fly-half Tom Catterick is targeting a top four finish for the Premiership club after signing a contract extension which will keep him at Kingston Park until at least 2017.

Catterick, 24, has been with the club since he was 17 and says his side, who are currently sitting 10th in the Aviva Premiership table, are heading in the right direction under director of rugby Dean Richards.

"I'm really happy to extend my contract," he said. "It was a fairly short and sharp process. I really wanted to stay and fortunately Dean wanted me to stay as well so it's nice to get it done and dusted and be able to concentrate on the rest of the season.

"We are slowly building and I think it is a good place to be and somewhere where I can develop as a person and a player. I want to be part of the Falcons squad that makes the Premiership top four and wins things and I am really looking forward to the future."

Katterick has impressed since moving to fly-half this season and Richards was keen to tie him down to a lengthy deal in the face of potential interest from European sides.

"We're very pleased that Tom has chosen to extend his contract with Newcastle Falcons," Richards said. "He is a dynamic and versatile player who has turned a lot of heads since taking on the fly-half role during the last European window.

"As a product of the Falcons' Academy it's great news that Tom has pledged the next two years to the club. He is a dedicated member of the team and retaining home-grown players of his calibre is very much a part of our forward planning.

"Tom has found fantastic form this season but he is still a young man, and we look forward to continuing to work with and him and watch him develop over the coming seasons."