PROMISING young winger Keith Treacy has signed a full professional contract with Blackburn Rovers.

Dublin-born Treacy, who turned 17 last month, joined the Academy in the summer after being spotted playing for Belvedere, a schoolboy team in his home town, by Rovers' scout Gerry Cassidy.

His fine form has already see him progress through to become a regular in the Reserves.

And he made his debut in the first team as a 16-year-old when Hughes gave him a brief taste of action in the pre-season friendly with Grimsby.

As a reward for that progress, Rovers handed Treacy a three-year deal, which ties him to the club until the summer of 2008.

"To turn professional is a great feeling," said Keith.

"I am loving it here and just want to keep improving."

Reserve boss Glyn Hodges added: "Keith has come straight out of school football but he's got a lot of ability, he's very quick and he's got a bright future.

"He's stepped over the Academy and straight into the reserves, where he's training with the other pros now, so he's got every chance and hopefully he'll keep progressing and moving forward."