A young footballer from St Albans has signed his first professional deal with League Two Stevenage.

Boro have moved quickly to ensure that Harrison Smith, an ex-pupil of Verulam School as well as a former player with the St Albans Primary Schools FA, is not snapped up without a fee by a Premier League club.

The forward, the latest to step up to the pro ranks from the academy, has been catching the eye of bigger fish according to chairman Phil Wallace.

Speaking in programme for Saturday's game with Northampton Town, the supremo said: "Harrison has been training with the first team for several weeks and has shown glimpses of the mental and physical strength required to earn a place in Steve Evans’ squad.

"We turned down two offers from Premier League clubs for Harrison a couple of years ago, before he suffered an ACL injury that put him out for almost a year.

"It’s testament to his determination that he’s fought back and earned the respect of the senior pros when he’s joined them.

"He’s still got a way to go to persuade Steve to give him his debut, but looking at the confidence in his play, it wouldn’t surprise any of us if that happens."