SAINTS have announced that young defender Nathanael Boot has signed his first professional contract until 2026.

The 17 year old centre-back joined the club in 2022 on a scholarship, having previously been at AFC Bournemouth for five years before moving across the South Coast.

Boot endured a turbulent first season at Saints, making the step up to the Under-21s to feature in the Papa Johns Trophy within his first few months before an extended injury setback kept him sidelined for most of the campaign.

However, the youngster is nearing the end of his recovery and is looking to return to the pitch soon with added motivation after being awarded his first professional contract.

Speaking after signing his first pro terms, Boot said: "I'm super excited to be starting (my professional career) at a club with a lot of history, I'm just really happy to get going.

"Recovery is going really well, my knee is coming back to the stage where I'm starting to run so I'm back on the pitch and hopefully should be training soon.

"It's good to see the club give this (professional contract) to me as it shows they still have faith in me and my ability to play."

Academy Director Andy Goldie further highlighted the next steps for Boot's future at the club.

He said: "Nat's progress and form before I came into the club, as well as his levels of commitment, focus and resilience during his rehab, have earned him this next milestone of his career.

"Although his main objective should be on his rehab programme in the short term, we're delighted with the progress he's making which is a great testament to our medical team and Nat himself. 

"Securing his future provides him with the chance to continue his growth as a young player and we're excited to see him back on the pitch in the near future."