Rising star Jake Garrett has penned a long-term contract extension in a big boost for Rovers.

The versatile teenager has signed a four-year deal through to 2025 as reward for his progress and a big show of faith in the 18-year-old.

Garrett agreed his first professional deal with Rovers in March 2020, but with that set to expire next summer, and having become a firm fixture in the Under-23s side, the club have moved to tie him down to an extended deal.

Manchester United have previously been credited with interest in Garrett who has been on the books of Rovers since the Under-9 age group.

Garrett, who has previously represented England at Under-15 and Under-16 level, emerged as a key player for the Under-23s in the second half of the season, having missed much of the 2019/20 campaign to injury.

He made 14 appearances for the Under-23s in Premier League 2, the majority of which came in a holding midfield role, although he has also played as part of a back three, and also at left back.

His first aim will be to overcome an injury he sustained late in the final game of the season against Chelsea to put himself in a position of featuring for the first-team in their pre-season schedule.

Several of the Under-23s have signed new deals this season, Dan Pike handed a new two-year deal, while Sam Barnes, Louie Annesley, Jalil Saadi and Sam Burns also extended their stays with Rovers.

Lenni Cirino, who like Garrett has impressed when stepping up for Billy Barr’s side, as well as Aidan Dowling, Jared Harlock, Alex Baker and Zak Gilsenan have also agreed their first professional contracts.tf