PROMISING youngster Joe Rankin-Costello has penned his first professional deal with Rovers through to the summer of 2019.

The 17-year-old has won many admirers for his performances for the Rovers development teams, and the club were keen to secure his long-term future.

And Rankin-Costello has agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal which will run until the summer of 2019.

He joined from Manchester United in the middle of the 2014/15 campaign and went on to make almost 40 appearances for both the Under-18 and Under-21 sides that season, as well as playing a crucial role as Billy Barr’s side reached the last four of the FA Youth Cup last term.  

The attacking midfielder has continued to be a key part for both age groups this season, and also started in the Checkatrade Trophy defeat to Fleetwood Town in August.

He follows fellow development players Jack Doyle and Connor Thomson in agreeing fresh terms as Rovers look to tie-down their most promising talents.