Hibernian youngster Scott Smith has set his sights on a place in the first team after signing a new contract.
The highly-rated 18-year-old has agreed a deal which keeps him at Easter Road until 2012. The Scotland Under-19 international is now determined to force his way into manager John Hughes` plans and become the next Academy graduate to make the breakthrough.
Smith said: "I only have one ambition at the moment - to get into the first team."
He added: "I'm going to keep working hard and will try and catch the gaffer's eye.
"I'm delighted that I'll be here for another couple of seasons and I really want to make an impression and get into the first team."
Hughes has urged defender Smith - who represented the young Scots during last month's Euro qualifiers in Croatia - to challenge his first team regulars for a place in the side.
He said: "I want players like Scott Smith to try and knock the current regulars off their pedestals. This is their chance, they need to act like men, learn fast and take the opportunity when it comes their way.
"Scott's a right good player with a lot of potential and we need the likes of him to be pushing towards the first 11 - that's how the whole standard at the club will progress."
Source: PA
