Leeds United have announced that young forward Niall Huggins has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The 18-year-old is very highly-rated at Elland Road and enjoyed a strong season for the U23s, which saw him score 12 goals in 29 games for Mark Jackson's side.
And, he has been rewarded for that, with the club confirming on their website that a one-year deal has been signed.
As well as that, Huggins will move up to work with Carlos Corberan's U23 side next season as he looks to get closer to the first-team.
The teenager has been with the club since he was six and revealed his delight at landing a contract and outlined his ambitions for the future.
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"I’ve been at the club for 12 years, so I’m really pleased to get my first professional contract. Getting this deal is a really big achievement for me and it is a really proud moment to get it done.
"I want to push on next season and try to make an impact for the Under-23s, you’ve got players like Jack Clarke and Jamie Shackleton pushing on into the first team and it is good to see and gives me a lot to look forward to next season."
The Verdict
This is a great moment for the youngster who will rightly be pleased to have secured his first deal with the club he has grown up with.
However, as he states, the hard work doesn't stop there and Huggins will now look to make a big impression for the U23s which could lead to a chance in the first-team.
That has to be the long-term aim for the Wales youth international who is at the right club to develop his career.
Marcelo Bielsa hasn't been afraid to blood the youth, and more of the under-23s will be looking to follow the likes of Jack Clarke and Jamie Shackleton next year.
Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.