PREMIERSHIP outfit Derby County have snapped up Bromsgrove Rovers' teenage prodigy Patrick Bannister.
The 16-year-old striker, son of Rovers chief executive Pat Bannister, has signed a three-year professional contract with the Rams.
Earlier this season Bannister became the youngest player ever to appear in Rovers' first team, aged 15, and he scored twice in their 3-0 victory over Yate in November.
He has been watched by several Premiership and Nationwide League clubs in recent weeks, and played in both of Rovers' fund-raising friendlies against Wolves and Aston Villa earlier this week.
Bannister senior said: "By offering him a professional contract, that really swung the deal.
"That means he will still play in the youth team but he has the option of training with the first team and the reserves."
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