Town boss Roy Keane has revealed that striker Connor Wickham has signed his professional deal with the Blues, ending fears that the England U17 international might jump ship and join one of the Premiership big boys.

Keane said: "Connor has signed a two-year deal with us and we're naturally delighted. But the easy part is signing the contract. The hardest part is getting to be a top player.

"It's been a good week for the boy and we can put it to bed now because the longer it goes on the more speculation there will be.

"He's in and around the first team squad on merit and deserves it.

"We think it's the right club for him and you saw that in his performance today. He seemed more mature than a lot of the other players on the pitch.

"He's got a good family behind him and now the boy can concentrate on what he should be focusing on - learning his trade and becoming a good player.

"We're here to help him but ultimately it will come down the boy himself. There are pitfalls ahead but the boy's got a chance."

Wickham turned 17 on Wednesday, which meant he was able to sign a professional contract tying him to the club for up to a maximum of two years.

Photo: Action Images

trueblues78 added 18:01 - Apr 3 Two years seems short but still very happy
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wilts added 18:05 - Apr 3 2 years - that'll be Barnett's influence no doubt. Hedging his bets on his latest pawn...
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moomoosereni added 18:11 - Apr 3 Nice one.
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PhilTWTD added 18:32 - Apr 3 Players can't sign for longer than two years at 17.
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ipswich78 added 18:34 - Apr 3 I don't think people actually read the article properly before commenting on it.... "which meant he was able to sign a professional contract tying him to the club for up to a maximum of two years."
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trueblues78 added 18:38 - Apr 3 Sorry mr ham. I Will work on my Reading.
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hogster1970 added 18:40 - Apr 3 well done conner just hope we dont screw him up like some of the others which have passed through our team in recent times
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im_marcacus added 18:43 - Apr 3 Good news, he had a great game today.
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Bergholtblue added 18:47 - Apr 3 Fantastic news. He obviously feels he can develop as a player here with games under his belt, than in an academy/reserves with a "big" club. Let's not let him down and ensure that he reaches his full potential
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jas0999 added 19:02 - Apr 3 Very good news. Well done Roy and Mr. Clegg convincing Conner to stay. I thought he was excellent today. Well done all concerned.
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Greektractor added 19:36 - Apr 3 i'm sure all the hype surrounding a "big four" move was just paper speculation anyway. No matter, he's here to stay for sure now.
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depressed added 20:14 - Apr 3 Bergholtblue....I love it when i'm proved right !!
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Mark added 20:38 - Apr 3 Excellent news. We can now enjoy Wickham's performances and see him improve without worrying so much about visiting scouts snatching him off us. Good luck Connor.
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