Liverpool Football Club are pleased to announce that Academy midfielder Jordan Rossiter has today signed his first professional contract with the Reds, on the day of his 17th birthday.

A tenacious tackler with an impressive passing range and the ability to shoot from distance, the local youngster has progressed rapidly through the ranks at his hometown side.

Having represented the U18s, Rossiter was quickly promoted to Alex Inglethorpe's U21s this season; the Scouser was also a key member of the Youth Cup team which reached the quarter-finals in this campaign and the semi-finals a year ago.

The 17-year-old has been included in two first-team squads during 2013-14 too - he was named among the substitutes by Brendan Rodgers for the trip to Chelsea on December 29 and the home clash against Hull City three days later.

Following the announcement, U21s boss Inglethorpe told Liverpoolfc.com: "Jordan has worked very hard this season.

"The contract is a recognition given to allow him more time to develop and evolve. He's a level-headed young man who knows hard work is necessary for him to continue his development."