Ross County have secured five youngsters on new contracts ahead of next season.
Defender Tom Kelly, striker Joel Macbeath and midfielders Jack Murray and Mark Gallagher have signed their first professional contracts with the club, while forward James Wallace has also extended his deal having graduated from the Staggies’ academy last summer.
Kelly, Murray, Gallagher and Wallace were handed first team debuts by Staggies co-managers Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson last season.
The quintet will continue to feature in the Staggies’ reserve side under Richie Brittain, who said: “They have all worked extremely hard over the last year and beyond and this is a reward for all their hard work and dedication.
“This is testament to all of them and shows the faith that the club has in them. All of them of have been associated with the club for a number of years now and it is great to see five academy graduates continuing their footballing journey at our football club in what will be an exciting time on our return to the Scottish Premiership.”
Kettlewell hopes more youngsters can play their way into first team contention next term, adding: “Not to focus on individuals, we have seen great progression from a number of the lads this season and that is reflected by the fact that we have given out seven first team debuts.
“So the link and opportunities are 100% there and Steven and myself have shown we are not scared to give opportunities to young players if we think they’ve earned it. Ross Munro and Tom Grivosti are great examples this season with Ross featuring in the IRN BRU Cup from start to finish and Tom breaking into the first team and playing a key part.”
