Aston Villa have announced that youngster, Michael Tait has signed a professional deal with the club after an impressive season in the academy setup. 

The 17-year-old is heading into his final year of his scholarship, and Villa have evidently wasted no time in securing his long-term future with the club.

Tait has been impressive for the Villa under 18's side and he'll be hoping to play a starring role for the academy side when they take on Reading in the FA Youth Cup on Tuesday evening.

Academy manager, Sean Kimberley was full of praise for the youngster who has played his part for the academy side this season.

"Michael is a technically gifted ball carrier, who can play both as a striker or deeper lying offensive midfield player with seven goals to his credit this season to date."

Tait has seven goals in all competitions this season and will be keen to add to that tally heading into the second-half of this year's campaign.

The striker has been with the club since he was seven-years-old and will be keen to progress all the way into the first-team, which is certainly a possibility.

The Verdict: 

"He has a bright future ahead of him.

"Tait is another exciting young player that has come through the academy and he could play a starring role for Aston Villa in the future.

"If he can continue to progress at the rate he already has, then he'll be one to keep an eye on for the future, as he could go on to feature for the first-team."