Youngster Tommy McDermott signs three-year professional contract with Port Vale

Port Vale have announced that promising youth graduate Tommy McDermott has now signed a three-year professional deal with the club.

The 17 year-old, reigning youth team player of the season has been used in pre-season friendlies and took part in Vale’s Spanish training camp.

Director of Football David Flitcroft said: “Tommy was introduced to the squad before our trip to La Cala and he was exceptional in pre-season camp where he has shown a level of professionalism beyond his years.

“The length of the contract gives Tommy the time to develop, he is a player that will develop physically, technicaly and tactically overtime and we have got to give ourselves and Tommy that time to reach his potential.

“We have seen how the players react to him and they’re really comfortable with what support he gives them on the pitch, he has shown real aggression and footballing talent to earn this contract.

“If Darrell Clarke and this football club are giving you a contract you HAVE to earn it and Tommy has done just that.

“Now it gives him great time to naturally develop all aspects of his game and we can’t wait to see him grow into the player we know he can be”