Cody Prior earned a professional contract this summer after impressive displays in both under-18 and under-23 football last season.
Prior, who can operate in both defence and midfield, captained both the youth team and the development squad last season, and academy manager Kieran Scarff says Prior’s consistency is one of the reasons for his reward of a senior deal.
“Cody has been Mr Consistent throughout the under-18s season, and he has carried this over into the under-23 games and in his substitute appearances in the Checkatrade Trophy,” he said.
“He has played more games than anyone else in the youth team this season, and this ability is testament to the dedication he has shown to developing his own career, and he is very single-minded in his approach to his own development.
“His consistency has been all the more impressive given the number of positions he has performed well in, and all coaches at the club hope this versatility and consistency continues, and we hope it becomes the foundation of an established career.”