PROMISING academy midfielder Jordan Stevens has put pen to paper on a two-year professional contract at Forest Green.

The Gloucester-born 17-year-old has excelled in Scott Bartlett’s youth set-up and follows Jordan Morris and Tom Anderson in graduating into the first team squad.

He has put in some excellent performances in the centre of the park playing in the EFL Youth Alliance scoring six goals in six games.

On signing his first pro deal Jordan said: “I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I’m not going to get too ahead of myself and stay on track to do my job for the team and push on for the first team.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to Scott Bartlett for making me a better player which has given me this opportunity in the first team.”

He featured on the bench for Mark Cooper’s team against Newport in the Checkatrade Trophy and is looking forward to more first team opportunities in the future.

“It was a lot to take in. Warming up on the pitch in front of the fans was a good experience but hopefully there is more to come.”

Mark Cooper said: “Jordan is a promising young player who spent time with us in pre-season and now needs to train with the senior squad full time to maximise his development.”

Scott Bartlett added: "It's great news for Jordan, he is an exciting player with lots of potential and has been in exceptional form for our youth team. We are proud of him because he's been with us for a long time, a lot of people at our club should take credit for his development. Clearly he has benefited hugely from our move into the EFL.

“Jordan's development will continue now with the first team and we are all delighted with that. He will benefit enormously from being in that environment with professional players and working under the manager and Scott Lindsey."

The midfielder will continue his education alongside his playing duties and will still be available to be selected for academy games when not involved in first team action.