ROVERS youngster Jack Evans has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The 17-year-old midfielder has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal, which will keep him at Ewood Park until the summer of 2020.

Evans, who joined the club at the age of six, has risen through the Rovers ranks and is now a member of Damien Johnson's table-topping Under-23s.

He has also played a key part in Bill Barr’s Under-18s progressing in to the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals, scoring both goals in the 2-1 victory over Stoke City in round three.

After signing his deal, Evans said: “It's a great feeling. I've been at the club for a long time, so I couldn't be happier to get to this stage and I'm really looking forward to what is to come over many more years.

“I've been at Blackburn my whole life and I know no different. I love it here and it's a great club to be a part of.

“Signing your first professional contract is a big milestone, because throughout the Academy that's what you're aiming for. It's a great relief now to sign it and I'm really happy to do so because it means that I can focus on my football now.

“It's what every young lad dreams of doing, so I'm really happy. It's the first stepping stone to trying to get into the first team and ultimately that's what I want to be doing.

“I've still got a long way to go, but I'm really looking forward to what is to come now.”