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Highly-rated Liverpool Academy defender Rhys Williams has signed his first professional contract.

The Preston-born centre-back, who turned 18 earlier this month, has been rewarded for the progress he's made so far this season.

Williams has been one of the shining lights for Barry Lewtas' exciting Liverpool Under-18s side this term - helping them reach the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup and the last 16 of the UEFA Youth League as well as challenging for the Under-18 Premier League crown.

He originally joined the Reds at under-10s level and has progressed through the age groups at the Academy.

Strong in the air and comfortable with the ball at his feet, he was handed his first start for Liverpool Under-23s against Villarreal back in November and has continued to impress boss Neil Critchley.

(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Williams' never-say-die spirit was epitomised by the dramatic last-gasp winner he scored against Red Star Belgrade in the group stage of the UEFA Youth League when he rose to nod home Adam Lewis' corner.

“Rhys is one of the older ones at under-18 level being a second year,” Lewtas said.

“There's a bit more responsibility on him this season and he's really grown into that role.

"He's a big boy who has a lot of growing and understanding still to come but he's keen to learn.”