Josh Seary said he was “made up” to sign not only a two-year scholarship deal with Preston North End, but also a professional contract down the line.
That pro deal will activate when the young defender turns 17 in a few months’ time on 10th September.
Josh has already spent a full season playing above his age group with the U18s, and also featured at the end of the prior campaign, so he is pleased to have been rewarded for his performances.
Speaking to iFollow PNE, Josh said: “I’m absolutely made up. It’s a lot of hard work and dedication, but I’m just made up that it’s finally done.
“I’ve been with the U18s for quite a bit now. When I was [in the] U15s I played a few games with them, so I’ve got a good understanding of what it’s going to be like.”
While the youth team is where Josh will begin his scholarship, there may be the opportunity for him to impress enough to earn the right to come down to Euxton to train with the first team.
Many of Nick Harrison’s side have done that themselves, with Jacob Holland-Wilkinson and Lewis Coulton just two examples of youth team players who featured in senior matchday squads last season.
Josh said: “I look forward to coming here. Young lads being on the bench is something to look forward to as a young player so I’m just excited to get going.
“You want to be among the best players at the club so to be training with the first team is something to look forward to in the future.
"It’s a good facility [at Euxton]. Springfields is good but this is different level really, so I’m just excited to come down here sometimes, hopefully quite a lot.”
Josh, who described himself as a modern-day full back who enjoys bombing forward, has been involved with the Republic of Ireland youth setup away from club duties as recently as last month.
Pre-season with PNE is soon approaching, though, and Josh is keen to hit the ground running.
“You don’t want to be coming back to pre-season unfit so you’ve got to be ready to go,” he added.
“I know what pre-season’s about. I was with the U18s last season so I definitely know what I need to be doing, so it’s going to be a tough few weeks but hopefully worth it.”
Watch Josh's full interview on iFollow by clicking play on the video above.