Academy striker Darryl Knights has signed a professional contract with the Blues. Knights, 17 earlier this week, was one of the key members of the FA Youth Cup-winning side.

The England U17 international, who made his first team debut in November's 2-0 defeat at Sunderland, has signed a deal which will keep him at Portman Road until 2007.

The Ipswich-born frontman is delighted to have put pen to paper on his first senior deal: "I am really pleased to have signed this contract. As a local lad, the club means everything to me and to have the chance to continue my career here is fantastic.

"It has been a great season for me personally, I have really enjoyed going away with the England team and winning the FA Youth Cup in front of our own fans was very special indeed.

"Now I am ready to make the next step though and begin pushing for a first team place. We have some great strikers at the club, whom I wouldn't expect to replace immediately, but if I can keep working hard, I may just get my chance."

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