Saints youngster Benni Smales-Braithwaite has signed his first professional contract.

The 17-year-old striker has put pen to paper on a deal that ties him to Saints until June 2022.

Smales-Braithwaite joined the club from Manchester City in 2018 and has been figuring for the under-18s.

He said: "I feel extremely proud "It means a lot to me and my family to become a professional footballer, but this is just the start.

"It's just the beginning for me; I can't wait for the new season to start and to get back to playing football every day.

"It takes a while to settle when you move away from home, but the club have been really supportive and I'm delighted to have a future here.

"The staff here are great and I'm ready to work hard to try and make an impression."

Academy Manager Matt Hale added: "Benni is an example of a player who has come through our acquisition model at 16.

"Joining us last year following good work in our recruitment and talent ID areas, Benni was identified as a young player with real talent and lots of potential.

"He has a great eye for goal and has superb finishing technique, as well as being clever and imaginative which allows him to play as both a number nine and 10.

"He deserves his professional contract and we look forward to seeing him progress next season."