Stanley have signed up three of their most promising youngsters to professional contracts.

Lewis Gilboy, Matty Williams and Alex O’Neill have all signed pro deals with the club having come through the Academy system at the Wham Stadium.

Liverpool-born winger Gilboy was the star of the club’s impressive FA Youth Cup campaign.

He has already trained with the first-team and is keen to kick on, with Reds boss John Coleman eager to see the development of more youngsters, following in the footsteps of first-team central defender Ross Sykes, with the club having introduced a development squad for the upcoming season.

Gilboy, who has been with the Reds since the Under-11s age group said: “It’s exciting to sign a professional contract.

“I have learnt a lot since I have been here, both on and off the ball and developed my technical skills.

“I have been on the bench and trained with the first team so it’s all been good experience.”

The 18-year-old scored three goals as Stanley reached the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup last year, their campaign ending following defeat to Liverpool.

“It’s still the highlight of my career so far, I scored twice against Tranmere in the opening game and then once against Leeds United in our extra-time win,” the teenager added.

Williams meanwhile, joined Stanley at Under-16 level after he was picked up playing Sunday League football having previously been on the books at Wigan Athletic.

“I guess I got into it late but I am used to all the training and what’s expected of me now,” said the defender who hails from Merseyside.

“It’s a dream to sign a professional contract, it’s what you want as a youngster. We have been mixing with the first team a lot and we train with them so we are picking up valuable experience.

“Also with having the Under-23s team this year, we will play more games.”

Striker O’Neill arrived at Stanley as an Under-15, but has had to overcome injury to earn his professional deal.

He said: “It’s a really good feeling, because it’s been my dream since I was a kid and to actually achieve that dream is a feeling you can’t really describe.

“I’ve had setbacks, when I first signed for Accrington in the Under-15s, I broke my ankle and when I came back from that I just carried on playing.”

The trio join goalkeeper Toby Savin in staying on at the club after the teenager signed his deal last month.