A HEREFORDSHIRE teenager has signed his first professional contract.

Jordan James has signed a contract with Birmingham City until 2024 and made his first senior start today.

The 17-year-old, from Hereford, also recorded a goal assist in Birmingham's 1-0 win over Blackpool.

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“It has been a long nine years but it has been worth it," James told the Birmingham City website.

"This is what you want to do and is the end goal. Obviously, I want to keep pushing on and, hopefully, keep getting more appearances.

“I think it is a proud moment for the club as well, all the staff at the club that have helped me with my growth and, with the travel, it is a proud moment for my family.

“If you’re good enough you’ll get the chance and the gaffer has been really good for me and allowed me to get that chance.”

James has been chasing the dream of playing professional football since he was young and was introduced to the sport at an early age.

He is the son of former Hereford United centre-back Tony James and used to watch his dad play at Edgar Street as a youngster.

Speaking after his son's first team debut earlier this month, Tony James said: "The entire club has shown faith in his ability and took the effort to effort to put him on a slightly different program to many boys at the club due to him developing physically slowly.

"Many clubs would have discarded him because of his size but Blues showed real patience with him and hopefully that is now bearing fruit.

"I have no real advice for him other than continue to be the young man that he has become and to never be afraid to express himself when on the football pitch.

"I know it's where he feels happiest."