Rovers starlet Ash Phillips is yet to sign his professional contract – though talks between the club and the player’s representative remain ongoing.

When the central defender signed scholarship terms with Rovers last summer, a professional deal which would come into from July 1 2022, shortly after Phillips celebrated his 17th birthday, was agreed in principle.

Phillips was due to sign that long-term professional deal earlier this month, though despite an expectation that would take place, it hasn’t as yet.

Terms were agreed last summer, but since then Phillips has become an England Under-17 international, and also moved nearer to the first-team picture.

He played in Rovers’ opening two friendlies with Accrington Stanley and Dundee, and was also on the bench for the weekend’s game at Celtic.

With Rovers lacking in central defensive options following the departures of club captain Darragh Lenihan and player of the year Jan Paul van Hecke, Phillips has moved into first-team contention.

That is despite playing only 11 times for Rovers Under-23s, restricted by his international commitments with England and also injury.

Tony Mowbray was an admirer of his talents, asking him to train with the squad from as early as last year, while he featured in the first-team squad for the FA Cup tie at Wigan Athletic in January.

He is regarded as one of the brightest central defensive prospects at his age, which is why Rovers are so keen to tie him to a professional deal, as conversations continue.

He is into the second of his two-year scholarship, and while his professional contract remains unsigned, it will only offer encouragement to the sides interested in signing Phillips, such as Tottenham Hotspur.

Rovers will continue talks to try and reach a positive conclusion with Phillips who is expected to be involved in Wednesday’s friendly at Hartlepool United, with his withdrawal in the second half of the Dundee draw due to cramp.

Phillips is one of two remaining scholars that Rovers are looking to tie down to professional deals.

Felix Goddard, Kristi Montgomery, George Pratt, Patrick Gamble, Charlie Weston and Harrison Wood signed their deals earlier this summer, joining Adam Wharton, Georgie Gent and Harry Leonard in committing their futures to the club.

Right back Jay Haddow ended the uncertainty over his future, following strong interest from Sunderland, by signing a two-year deal, with the option for a third, last week.

However, Phillips and Jake Batty, who has also represented England at youth level, are still to sign their deals, with negotiations ongoing.

Left back Batty is in a similar position to Phillips in that he is in to the second year of his scholarship. He made his first appearance of pre-season as a substitute in the Dundee draw.

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