Boro sign up their talent

14 May 2010 08:43
MIDDLESBROUGH Academy director David Parnaby has hailed the incredible progress made by teenage starlet Luke Williams and tipped the England youth international to continue pressing for first team honours.[LNB] Williams was among six Academy players handed their first professional contracts yesterday.[LNB] Shildon-born David Atkinson, Ben Gibson from Nunthorpe, Hurwoth-based Bruno Pilatos and Matthew Dolan from Hartlepool earned fouryear deals while Sunderlandborn Paul Weldon signed for two-years.[LNB] Parnaby and Academy colleague Ron Bone are thrilled by the prospect of seeing their young charges forcing their way into Gordon Strachan's plans but Williams' rapid development has astounded everybody at the club.[LNB] The 16-year-old from South Bank became the youngest player to feature in Boro's first team for over a century when he made his debut at Barnsley last December.[LNB] Strachan spotted the youngster's potential shortly after taking charge at the Riverside, handing him his first home start against Coventry last month where the winger earned man of the match plaudits.[LNB] Williams and Pilatos will be part of the England U-17s squad who kick-off their European Championships challenge against Czech Republic on May 18.[LNB] Parnaby believes Williams' lack of ego and supportive family should stand him in good stead to become the latest Academy product to star for club and country.[LNB] What's so nice about it is his humility, noted Parnaby.[LNB] He is a credit to his mam, Geraldine, who works for the club's hospitality department.[LNB] He takes things in his stride, he's very humble and he's still part of the Academy group. What he has achieved hasn't changed in him in any way or form.[LNB] What's important to remember now is that, although he's had a little taste of success at first team level, there's still a long way to go for him.[LNB] Luke has made incredible progress and has already made history at the club.[LNB] From a technical point of view he's one of those players who enjoys playing in the space just behind the main striker but he has played in wider positions both on the left and right.[LNB] He's someone who we've always known has talent and, as with the likes of Adam Johnson, growth and development have such important roles to play.[LNB] We hope next season will bring him more experience at senior level.'' He added: Due to his involvement with the first team under Gordon Strachan, Luke hasn't played too much of a role with England, but it is testament to his abilities that the England selectors have called on him for such an important tournament.[LNB] It's very important that he keeps developing as a player and that he develops a tough mental resilience to the world of football because you do need to be tough to survive and move on.[LNB] Having completed their second years with the Boro Academy, Cameron Park, Patrick Otte, James Gray, Philip Shead, Conor Sellars, Kyle Oliver, Oni Roushias and Kieran Edwards have all had their scholarships extended to a third year with a view to earning professional deals next year.[LNB] Boro have released five Academy players: Ashley Corker, Gary Martin and James Cronesberry, Derrick Bassi and striker Danny Hawkins.[LNB]

Source: Northern_Echo