Watford have handed a professional contract to apprentice midfielder George Byers.
The 17-year-old, who starred in LFE’s Goal of The Month competition for January with a stunning half volley in the Hornet’s youth cup victory over Norwich, has signed a two-year contract though the club has the option of adding a further 12 months to that deal.
Byers deal comes a couple of weeks after the club agreed a similar deal with young forward Alex Jakubiak.
The 17-year-old striker who made his debut for the club on the final day of the league season admits that he is eager to taste more first-team action next term.
He told the club’s website: “I’ve been working really hard during the two years of my apprenticeship and this is what I’ve been aiming for at the end of it, and now I’ve been offered it I’m delighted. I’m over the moon.
“But this is just the start of it – everything is doubled or tripled now. It’s going to get so much harder, but I’m ready for the challenge.
“We’ve got a couple of weeks off but I’m going to look to be working during that time so I can come into pre-season ready and firing, and hopefully impress the manager.”
