Ahead of the draw with Wigan on Sunday Blackburn secured the future of Ben Paton on a professional deal.
The versatile midfielder signed an 18-month contract – his first pro deal at Ewood Park.
Canadian-born Paton, 17, currently recovering from a knee injury, first came to Lancashire as a 15-year-old on a week’s trial, which resulted in him linking up the academy and he’s now part of the U23 side.
He told the Official Website: ‘It’s great to sign for Blackburn. It’s such a great club that`s doing well in the first team and Under-23s. There’s a great atmosphere all around the club. The club has always been very supportive of me ever since I joined. I came over to England for a week and was offered a two-year scholarship. It was a big week for me, I was nervous, but it was a great experience. I made lots of sacrifices in moving away from home so to be offered a professional contract is the icing on the cake.’
When fully fit he’s targeting a place in the first team too.
Paton added: ‘The first target is to get back fit and then get back in the Under-23s. Ultimately, I want to be playing for the first team. It’s disappointing to have missed the FA Youth Cup run, but I’m still a part of it and I will do my best to help and support the team from the sidelines.’
Should Paton make this breakthrough into the first team he would become the latest of the players coming through to have a part to play in Tony Mowbray’s side – this is possible as the boss is certainly prepared to give them a chance.
