Southampton Football Club is pleased to announce youngster Tyreke Johnson has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The winger, who celebrated his 17th birthday by signing the contract at St Mary’s, has agreed a two-and-a-half-year professional deal to remain with Saints until the summer of 2018.

Having played for Watford and Swindon Town previously, Johnson joined Saints in 2014 and has made a big impact for Craig Fleming’s Under-18s so far this season.

Johnson made his first start for the Under-18s in a 3-1 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur back in August, before featuring from the start again in a defeat at Chelsea.

He returned to the starting line-up for the 3-3 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion in October and went on to enjoy a hugely successful month.

Johnson, who scored in the draw with the Seagulls, found the net again in the 4-1 win against Arsenal and the 3-0 success against Aston Villa, both at the Staplewood Campus.

We're pleased to announce that youngster Tyreke Johnson has signed his first professional contract with #SaintsFC. https://t.co/5JQuTTfILe — Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) November 3, 2015

Last Monday he made his Under-21s debut as Martin Hunter’s side suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Everton – coming on at half time against the Toffees and going close to scoring on two occasions.

Shortly after signing his professional contract, Johnson said: “It’s a brilliant way to celebrate my birthday. As a young kid I’ve been dreaming about this moment and eventually it has come.

“It has been an amazing week, having scored at the weekend, got my call-up for the first under-21 game and now my professional contract.

“I have to continue working hard, get a few more good performances under my belt and just take it week by week.

“We’ve all seen Southampton has produced a lot of big players and hopefully I can progress the same way that they have.”