By Middlesbrough FC

England youth international Ajay Matthews has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The 17-year-old striker is rewarded after an impressive first year as a scholar and has signed a two-year deal.

Ajay scored six goals in 11 outings for our Under-18s and he also stepped up to score his first goal for our U21s in a 5-1 win at Derby County.

A Middlesbrough lad, Ajay was part of a successful Marton Juniors team before linking up with our Academy at U9 level.

The hard-working striker has represented England at U17 level.