Jayden Moore signs first professional contract

Having only turned 17 in December, the young centre-back had signed scholarship terms in the summer but penned his new deal last month after enjoying a positive start to the season.

Moore has been at the club from Under-9s level, rising through the Academy to make his Under-18s and Under-21s debuts this campaign.

Having impressed in his own age group, the ball-playing defender earned the step up to the Under-21s and has made six appearances at that level so far.

The youngster spoke with pride after sealing his next Saints milestone and committing his future to the club as a professional.

"It's a dream come true really, for me and my family," he said. "It's been a long journey through lots of ups and downs, but I just thank everyone who has helped me get to where I am now.

"I wasn't really sure if I was going to get [a scholarship], but to be in that position and now to be in this position is quite a big achievement for me.

"Now I've been training with the Under-21s and made my first start, hopefully there'll be a couple more starts and I can push on from there."

Academy Director Andy Goldie further explained the progress Jayden has made to earn his new deal.

"Jayden has transitioned incredibly well into the full-time environment this season and he is flourishing both on and off the pitch at Staplewood.

"His performance in the FA Youth Cup highlighted the exciting potential he has shown regularly in the Under-18s programme, and we are extremely pleased to reward him with his first professional contract to enable him to continue to build on that."