Five Wolves youngsters set for professional contracts

Wolves today announced they are offering five academy graduates professional contracts.

Goalkeeper Scott Dutton, left-back Ben O'Hanlon, centre-back Ashley Carter, midfielder Declan Weeks and striker Ibraham Keita have all been offered pro terms.

Midfielders Albert Torras and Carlo Erdei, and striker Bradley Reid, are also in the same age group and are tied down to professional deals secured when they joined the club earlier this season.

Cieron Keane, Andre Streete, Tom Hill, Dylan Stringer-Moth, Peter Smith and Victor Wagner have been released, while a decision has been delayed on Daniel Murray, who has recently returned to fitness after a long-term injury.

Academy manager Gareth Prosser said: "Congratulations to all the players who have been offered a professional contract.

"But also, having been handed a new contract, the work starts immediately.

"They've deserved their deals by consistently performing well throughout the season, but they have to look to continue to develop and to improve.

"They're continually being monitored and evaluated - not just within the club, but also outside the club - and that standard, as a Category One club, is very high.

"In Dan's case we're going to give him as long as possible to prove his fitness before making a decision.

"He's been injured for the majority of his scholarship but he's been back since Christmas and we're really pleased to see him back in training and playing games."

Those not offered contracts will remain at Compton until the end of the season if required.

"It's important to point out these decisions are never personal – they're taken in the best interests of the club and the player," added Prosser.

"We'll do whatever we can to support them by putting together video clips of their best bits of the last two years, helping them do a really thorough CV and speak to other clubs on their behalf."

Head of football development Kevin Thelwell said: "I'm delighted for the boys that have attained professional contracts - it's a terrific achievement and they should be proud of themselves.

"It's clear to everybody about the importance of our academy, it's an integral part of our football plan going forwards.

"As such, I'm pleased so many of the group have been given the opportunity to develop further and hope this is only the start of a career at Wolves for the boys."

Danny Batth tweeted:

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