Talented teenager Harry Birtwistle has signed his first professional contract with Wolves.
Birtwistle has made history as the first Singapore-born player to sign professional terms with a Premier League club.
The 17-year-old took to Instagram to express his delight after putting pen to paper.
He also released a statement, which read: “I’m so honoured to be standing here today as a Singapore-born professional footballer at a Premier League club.
“Hopefully, this can inspire others after me who don’t believe they can do it. I would like to say thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey.
“The last four years I’ve been with Wolves have changed my life. Yes, there have been difficult times, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. It was the hardest decision but also the best I ever made.
“Becoming a professional footballer has always been my dream and it was what got me through some difficult moments. The goal and drive to make my dreams come true has always been there and it is something that will never change.”
Birtwistle has taken part in first team training at times this season, as Bruno Lage seeks to integrate the academy with the senior side.
He said in an interview earlier this month that he models his game on Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi.
Birtwistle plays as an attacking right wing-back for James Collins’ Under-23 side.
He has played eight games in all competitions this season, scoring twice against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle as well as grabbing an assist in September’s 1-1 draw at Burnley.
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