Source: Team_Talk
Mutch delight at Birmingham deal
The 17-year-old prodigy has put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal and set his sights on a first team place after he recovers from a foot injury which has kept him out for the majority of the season.[LNB]Aged 16 years and 268 days, Mutch became Blues' second youngest debutant ever - just behind the legendary Trevor Francis - when he appeared as a substitute in a Carling Cup tie against Southampton in August.[LNB]Mutch told the Birmingham Mail: "It's a step further in my career. I am looking forward to next season after a big year this season. It has been hard with the injury but I am just looking to next season and progressing on.[LNB]"I think I will come back stronger and hopefully be in the team next season. My target is to get in the first team next year, go away with them in pre-season and hopefully get a few games under my belt."[LNB]Academy Manager Terry Westley added: "We have an outstanding prospect on our hands - one of the top young midfielders in the country and we're delighted that he's decided to sign a two-and-a-half year contract."[LNB]Teenage defender Jacob Rowe has been also been offered a one-year professional contract by the club which he is expected to sign following the end of his academy scholarship in June.[LNB]The 18-year-old centre-half won the club's academy player of the year award and his performances have helped him earn the contract.[LNB]Academy coach Steve Spooner said: "Jacob is a great example to all the young players at the club that if you apply yourself and if you have a desire to work you can earn a professional contract.[LNB]"If anyone deserved one on sheer determination to improve it's him. He knew what he was short of and tried to do something about it by working on his weaknesses.[LNB]"The aim now is get rid of those weaknesses that would prevent him getting in the first team, so there's always a bar you've got to jump over to get to the next level."[LNB]Rowe's fellow second year academy scholars Robert Gradwell, Dean Lyness, Jack Rutter, Jamie Sheldon and Shaun Timmins have not been offered professional terms.[LNB][LNB]