Promising Derby County midfielder Niall McAndrew has signed his first professional contract as the club continues to invest in talent for the future.

McAndrew has been with the club since the under-9s and has become a key performer for the under-18s. Last season he scored 11 goals and registered six assists in what was an impressive campaign having made 25 appearances in all competitions.

That also led to him playing seven games under Jake Buxton for the club’s under-21s and his reward of a professional contract underlines the club’s commitment to invest in talent for the future.

Derby academy manager Matt Hale is excited by McAndrew’s potential and says he has already captured the attention of the senior coaching staff.

“Niall is an extremely talented young footballer and is a player we have high hopes for,” said Hale. “He has worked hard to earn his professional contract and has begun the pre-season just like he finished last year with some exciting early performances.

“Niall has captured the eye of our senior coaching team as well as his international peers in the Republic of Ireland. As a young player who started with the club as young as eight years old, the staff are all very proud to see Niall achieve his professional contract and look forward to seeing him grow and develop even more this season.”