ROCHDALE'S young starlet Ethan Brierly has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The talented teenager has put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal at the Crown Oil Arena.
Brierley, who turned 17 earlier this week, has played for the Rochdale Academy since the age of seven.
He signed as a scholar this summer and has already made five appearances for the first-team, including starting all of Dale's EFL Trophy matches.
On signing professional terms, Brierly told the club's official website: "It's all I've ever wanted since I was three-years-old.
"I'm over the moon to have the chance to play out there and to finally be a professional footballer is great.
"I've been here since I was six or seven, training every Tuesday and Thursday in the evening and it has all been worth it.
"From watching some of the players as a fan, to playing with them, is just unreal.
"I've enjoyed playing in all of the games for the first-team so far. I think I've done well and all of my teammates have been great with me. I can't wait for the next three years!"