Kyle Walker-Peters says the Academy graduates currently flourishing in our first team squad have given him added inspiration to keep working hard after signing a new contract.

The 18-year-old full-back enjoyed an eventful 2015, which included a dream chance to play and train alongside our senior stars in front of tens of thousands of fans on the club’s post-season tour of Malaysia and Australia back in May.

On more familiar ground, the England youth international has continued grafting and is one of only two players to have started every game in every competition for our Under-21 side this season.

Having put pen to paper on a new deal, Kyle says he often looks at the progress of some of the Academy products who have graduated to the first team set-up in recent years as he strives to improve every day with the aim of following a similar path himself in time.

“As a young boy at the club, I’ve always dreamed of playing for the first team so I guess signing a new deal takes me a step closer and I’m delighted,” he said.

“The first team is full of players who we as youngsters look up to. For example, I used to watch Harry Kane and Alex Pritchard playing Under-21s matches, but now I’m in that position and I hope to be able to get to where they are now one day.

“I know I’ve still got a lot to learn but I’m sure it will all come with age and experience. It’s great to get a new contract and I think it shows that I’m becoming stronger. That’s one of the things I need to work on – physically I’m doing okay but I can still get better.

“I’ve played in all of the Under-21s games this season and if I keep doing that and keep working hard every day then hopefully I can achieve my targets.”

Capable of operating either at right- or left-back, Kyle’s hunger for improvement and success is shared right through the club and he says the positive mentality around the Training Centre works to both his and his young colleagues’ advantage.

“You’re always around people that you like and I think that helps you from the moment you come into the building,” he said. “You’re always in a good mood, nobody comes in annoyed because of this or that, everyone’s happy and that helps everyone to progress.

“The last couple of years have gone quickly for me but, at the same time, when you’re working hard you don’t notice the time passing. It’s hard work but it’s enjoyable as well and it’s been a great experience for me so far, so my aim is to keep developing and striving to get better so that hopefully one day I can reach my goals.”