By Blackburn Rovers FC
Rovers are delighted to announce that young hot-shot Harry Leonard has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The 18-year-old striker, who has been with the club since Under-10s, has put pen-to-paper on a long-term deal, keeping him at Ewood Park until June 2025.
Having missed virtually all of last season due to injury, Leonard has been in fine form this campaign, netting 12 goals in all competitions.
His eight goals in the U18 Premier League, including a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest, have helped fire Rovers to top spot, whilst he was also on target in the 5-1 victory over Birmingham City in the third round of the FA Youth Cup at the start of the month.
Leonard has also made the step up to Rovers Under-23s this season, making six appearances for Mike Sheron’s side, and he found the back of the net in the Premier League Cup victory over Middlesbrough in October.
The talented teenager is thrilled to commit his future to the club and he hopes it can be a successful season for both himself and Rovers’ rising stars.
“I’m delighted,” he said. “I’ve been at Rovers for nine years now and it’s obviously what you work towards.
“It’s a little step in what is hopefully a long career here for me. You sacrifice a lot, moving over to the area at such a young age and a lot of hard work has gone into it, so I’d like to think that the hard work is paying off, but you can’t hold back in football. You’ve got to keep pushing on, keep working hard and keep getting better.
“I’m delighted with how this season has gone so far. Last season was a tough one for me, being injured, but this season has been great so far and hopefully I can carry it on.
“The Under-18s have been unbelievable this season. As a team and as a squad we’ve got real quality and the FA Youth Cup result last week really showed that. I think we’ve got some really good players in that team and you’ve seen when a few of the lads have been pushed up to the Under-23s, others have stepped in and they’ve not put a foot wrong.
“As I was doing well for the Under-18s, I’ve had a little spell in the Under-23s. It’s a big step up, but I think I’m getting the hang of it and hopefully the goals will start to come.
“As an Academy player, you look at the manager’s belief in young players and there’s a really good pathway into the first team at the club. He likes to give youngsters an opportunity and when that opportunity comes you’ve got to take it.
“It would be very special if I could do that here. I’ve been here for half of my life now and I know nothing else in football other than Blackburn Rovers. I love spending my time here and it would be a dream come true to progress all the way through to the first team.”