Connor Ronan lands first pro deal at Wolves

Teenage midfielder Connor Ronan today signed his first professional contract with Wolves less than a season after joining as a scholar.

The former Rochdale youngster, who turned 17 last month, has impressed in the club's academy since joining from his boyhood side.

Head of football development and recruitment Kevin Thelwell said: "Connor is a player who was spotted by our recruitment staff.

"He has made a very good start to his time at Wolves and that has now been rewarded with a first professional contract tying him to the club until, at least, 2017.

"He has settled in well and shown not only plenty of quality – leading to international recognition - but also a very professional and mature attitude, off the pitch as well.

"As we tell all the academy scholars signing their first senior contract, the hard work really starts now.

"Connor has shown some excellent promise which he can now continue to develop going forward, with the long-term ambition of making it into the first-team."

Ronan was spotted by head of academy recruitment Kieran Scott and is making his impact at international level, too, representing both England and the Republic of Ireland Under-17s.

Ronan said: "The season couldn't have gone much better and it was great news to hear I was getting a professional contract.

"I found out a week before my birthday and it was the best present I could have wished for!

"It is a good sign but to me nothing changes – I need to keep on doing what I have been doing.

"I just see it as a sign that I am doing well, but I have to try and impress even more and higher up the club.

"It makes you feel more settled at a club, knowing you are secure and people like what you do.

"Next up now is to try and break into the Under-21s team and then the first team, and working towards getting another contract in the future."

(Video and picture courtesy of Wolves)