LONDON (AFP) - American star Clint Dempsey has displayed his confidence in Fulham's future by signing an extended contract that will keep him at the west London club until the end of the 2009-10 season.

Fulham had looked doomed to relegation for most of this season but back-to-back wins over Manchester City and Birmingham have ensured they will stay up if they beat Portsmouth on Sunday, the final day of the season.

Dempsey, 25, joined the Cottagers in the 2006 January transfer window from Major League Soccer side New England Revolution.

The forward has started 28 Premier League games so far this season, and is the club's top league scorer with six goals.