Midfielder Andre Dozzell turns 17 today and has signed his two-year professional contract with the Blues.
The first-year scholar formally put pen to paper on the deal last week after tying up the loose ends of a contract which was agreed in principle when he signed his two-year academy scholarship in 2013.
Players cannot sign professional contracts until they are 17 and then only for a maximum of two years.
Dozzell, who has been watched by Premier League sides including Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and West Ham, recently scored on his senior debut having come on as a sub at Sheffield Wednesday and then made his full debut at home to Fulham a few days later.
Speaking last week, the former Copleston High School pupil said his target for next season is to play regularly: "The aim for me now [is] to be in and around the first-team squad but I know I’ve got to work hard in pre-season.
"I’ll keep working hard and hopefully I can cement a place in the first-team squad next season.”
His father, former Blues midfielder and current academy coach Jason, recently told TWTD that there's nowhere better for his son to be at this stage of his career.
birthday boy , happy to sign my first pro deal with @official_itfc https://t.co/Sg5KyxsPMI– andre (@andredozzell99) May 2, 2016
"Ipswich is the best place for him," he said. "The manager likes him. His pathway at the moment is Ipswich Town.
"If he goes to a big club his pathway would be blocked, there will be a lot more players, a lot more better players, I would imagine.
"I’m happy with the way he’s progressing, I’m happy with how they’re looking after him as a parent and that’s all you can ask for really.”
Andre is currently away with the England U17s squad ahead of the European Championships in Azerbaijan.
They play their first game against Sweden on Friday, then face France three days later, before they complete their group fixtures with a match against Denmark on Thursday 12th May.
Town striker Ben Morris has also been called in to the squad, while keeper Nick Hayes and schoolboy midfielder Tristan Nydam remain on standby for the tournament.
Photos: Action Images/ITFC