Lewis Thompson is looking forward to the next stage of his development after signing his first professional deal with Rovers.

The teenager became the latest member of Billy Barr's Under-18s squad to sign professional terms at the club, putting pen to paper on his contract today.

Thompson, a full-back, joined Rovers from Manchester United at the start of the start of the 2016/17 campaign.

And he admits it is a 'dream come true' to move a step closer to his aim of playing football at first-team level.

He told the club website: “I'm over the moon to sign my first contract and couldn't think of a better club to do it at than this one.

“This is a dream come true for me; when I first joined 18 months ago, the aim was always to be a professional footballer and now I'm looking forward to the next step.

“For any young footballer, the goal has to be to eventually get into the first team, there's no point in playing otherwise.

“I think and hope that I'm good enough to do it. I have the right mentality and will work hard.

“I've got another year now to really get my head down and impress.”

Thompson was a regular for Barr's side who reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup, only to beaten by Blackpool earlier this month.

Following a standout debut season in 2016/17, Thompson made the left-back slot his own.

He went on to make 27 appearances for the Under-18s, scoring three goals, two of which came against his former club.

Thompson is now involved with Damien Johnson's Under-23s side who are looking to secure the Premier League 2 Division Two title in the closing weeks of their season.

The 18-year-old is still awaiting his first start for Johnson's side, but has been used off the bench in recent weeks, including the Premier League Cup defeat at Aston Villa.

Thompson joins fellow Rovers youngsters Jack Vale, Ben Paton, Jack Evans, Hayden Carter and John Buckley in securing their extended futures at the club.

They will all be looking to become fixtures in Johnson's Under-23s squad to push their first-team claims.

A club spokesman said: “Everyone at Rovers would like to congratulate Lewis on his first professional contract.”