SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown admits he is ‘genuinely excited’ by Dru Yearwood’s future.

The 17-year-old midfielder signed his first professional contract on the eve of last night’s pre-season friendly with Brighton & Hove Albion.

And Brown is delighted to have secured the youngster’s future at the football club.

“I have to say I’m genuinely excited about Dru and him signing a contract is a fantastic day for the football club,” said the 58-year-old.

“A lot of lads have come close to knocking on the door but Dru has burst through it in the last few months and it’s been great to see.

“This is the beginning of the story not the end and the way it’s going at the moment he really does have a great chance of starting against Blackburn on the opening day.

“That’s why he started the game against Brighton last night and he’s soaking everything up all the time.”

Yearwood has been with the Shrimpers since the age of the 11 following his release from Arsenal.

But he only converted to a central midfielder last season having previously lined up as a winger.

And Brown is keen to see how Yearwood continues to develop his game.

“This is the beginning of a story not the end,” said Brown.

“We had him on a two year apprenticeship with a third year pro deal at the end of it but it’s a four year deal as a professional now because he’s a special player.

“He’s going to need our support and I don’t want to put too much pressure on him but he’s a big talent and I’m excited to have him in the group.

“It also shows to the other young players at the club what can be achieved and what is possible.”

Eight other products of the club’s youth system were also in the squad for last night’s game with Brighton.

And Brown was keen to highlight the good work being done by the club’s head of youth Ricky Duncan.

“This again highlights the excellent work being done by Ricky,” said Brown.

“I’m proud of the fact that every squad I’ve named in my four years here has included a product of our youth system and I genuinely hope that will be the case until the day I leave.

“Dru’s emergence makes it even more likely and it would be great to see a few others following in his foot-steps by also pushing through.”