Ryan Lowe has signed his first professional contract with Colchester United.
The young midfielder today put pen-to-paper on his first professional deal with the club, after some good performances in the U18 and U23 sides this season.
Lowe captained the U18s side to the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup, with wins against Swindon Town and Arsenal, before bowing out at St James' Park to Newcastle United.
And the battling youngster has also had game time in the U23 side, with a couple of inclusions in the first team's eighteen, recently sitting on the bench for Wayne Brown's side in the win at Leyton Orient.
Speaking after agreeing professional terms with the U's, Lowe said he was delighted to sign his first contract.
"I was speechless when I was told. I've come a long way since joining the academy and I feel like I've put good performances in this season and hopefully I can keep kicking on and carry on my career.
"I want to keep improving and take every day as it comes, and hopefully by the end of the season I'll have made my debut. That would be a dream, but I'll keep taking every day as it comes."
Ryan's contract is subject to ratification from the usual relvant bodies.