Town have confirmed that academy central defender Tommy Smith has signed a three-year professional contract, as reported by TWTD on Friday. Smith and the rest of the England squad flew out to the U17 World Cup in Korea earlier today.

Prior to making his trip, Smith told the club site: "It's been a good few weeks for me. I've signed my first professional contract and now I am going to take part in a World Cup."

Smith says he is looking to push into the first team: "That has got to be my target. Hopefully this year.

"I've just got to work hard in training and look to catch the manager's eye."

Smith and England face North Korea, New Zealand and Brazil in the group stages of the U17 World Cup, which runs from August 18th to September 9th.

The Macclesfield-born defender, who turned down the chance to play for New Zealand, the country where he grew up, has previously won five caps at U17 level.

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