Barnaby Williams signs first professional contract

The 17-year-old signed his scholarship in the summer and has since enjoyed a productive first half of the season, earning his first professional deal just six months on.

Williams has been at the club for a decade, having progressed through the Academy system and played up for the Under-18s last season.

So far this year, he has made a further step up with four appearances for the Under-21s and experiences around first team training.

Speaking after penning his professional contract, the versatile youngster shared his willingness to take any opportunity that comes his way.

"It feels very good that [the club] believe in me and want me to have an extra two-and-a-half years to see what I can prove to everyone and prove to the club that I deserve to be here.

"It's probably been the best six months of my journey so far and it's only going up from when I signed [the scholarship], playing with the Under-21s regularly now - I just want to push myself and get as many minutes as I can."

Academy Director Andy Goldie added his praise for the club's latest young pro.

“Barnaby signing his first professional contract is the latest in a series of personal achievements since starting his scholarship in the summer, with him already breaking into the Under 21s and training a number of times with the First Team squad.

"We’re excited to see him build on this over the coming seasons now - if he continues to demonstrate the same levels of commitment, work ethic and approach to his learning, there’ll be more rewards to come for him.”