DEFENDER Oliver Younger has signed his first professional contract with Burnley.

The 18-year-old central defender has agreed a two-year deal with a further 12-month option following another impressive campaign at Turf Moor, having been named Burnley's young player of the year last season.

He has gone on to develop further as a regular in Michael Duff's Under 23s.

“He deserves the two years and the chance to progress further,” said Duff.

“He’s an under 18 who has played in the under 23s all year and kicked on again from last year.

“He hasn’t rested on his laurels. He’s worked hard and now he’s got an opportunity. It’s up to him now to try and take that and forge out a successful career here.”

Skipton-born Younger, whose family are long-time season-ticket holders at Turf Moor, has been with Burnley since 2008 and moves into the professional ranks after completing a two-year scholarship.

Younger, who was given a first-team squad number earlier this year and travelled with the first-team squad to Swansea in February, said: “I’ve been here since I was a little kid, so it’s a dream.

“Going through your scholarship you see the difference and demands of going to be a pro and it’s something I’m really looking forward to.

“Physically, technically and tactically I think I’ve come on this year and I want to continue that.

“Hopefully I can cement my place in the under 23s, maybe go out on loan in a couple of years and get some first-team experience and progress from there.

“The dream after coming all the way through the Academy is to get into the first team and hopefully make a career out of the game at the best level I can.”