Joel Cotterill signs first pro deal with Swansea City

Swansea City youngster Joel Cotterill has put pen to paper on his first professional contract, which will come into effect from July 1.

The 17-year-old midfielder has been with the Swans since the age of seven, and has signed a two-year deal.

The Wales age-grade international was named among the substitutes for the home fixtures against Bournemouth and Queens Park Rangers towards the end of last season, having been a stand-out performer for the under-18s and under-23s in recent campaigns.

Cotterill, the cousin of former Swans and Wales winger David, is delighted to have achieved a major milestone in the career of any young footballer, but he already has his sights set on pressing on after being part of the squad for the pre-season training camp at Pennyhill Park.

"I'm overwhelmed, I have been with the club so long and it's a dream come true for me," said Cotterill.

"But the challenge for me now is to keep pushing forward, to keep working hard for those opportunities.

"I was on the bench for the first team towards the end of last season and that just gives you that extra bit of hunger. I've had that during the off-season, I've been working hard to get better, and it's certainly given me that extra little bit of energy.

"It doesn't stop here, obviously I am really pleased to have signed a pro deal, but I have to make sure that means something and I do enough to make the most of it.

"I have to work to get better every day. The dream is to play for the first team, I have been away at Pennyhill Park and being around the players and the gaffer and his staff; it's just such a good environment to be in.

"It's early in pre-season and I want to do well and give myself a good base to carry into the season."