ESSEX fast bowler Tony Palladino has signed a new two-year contract with the county that will take him up to the end of the 2009 season.The 24-year-old's first team appearances were restricted earlier in the year by injury but he is now back to full fitness in time for the season run-in.

ESSEX fast bowler Tony Palladino has signed a new two-year contract with the county that will take him up to the end of the 2009 season.

The 24-year-old's first team appearances were restricted earlier in the year by injury but he is now back to full fitness in time for the season run-in.

Palladino, who was a member of the county's first Academy intake and has played for Bury St Edmunds in the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League, has featured in 25 first-class matches since making his debut in 2003.

He told the Essex CCC website: “I'm really happy to have committed my future to Essex. They have put their faith in me so I'm delighted to be able to get this opportunity to repay them over the course of my new contract.

“I've had some niggling injuries over the last couple of years but nothing long-term. Hopefully I'll be fully fit for the remainder of this season and able to push for a regular first-team place.”