AcademyJoe Upton signs first professional contract with Liverpool FC

The 18-year-old from Merseyside is a second-year scholar and has been with the Reds since pre-Academy days at the age of six.

A midfielder with a superb work ethic, he is often employed in front of the back four to break up danger and start the play with his passing.

His qualities have seen him given the captain’s armband for Simon Wiles’ U18s squad on many occasions this season.

An England youth international, Upton also appeared in all seven of Liverpool’s UEFA Youth League games in the current campaign as they reached the knockout stage.

“It’s an amazing feeling, I’m so proud to sign for my boyhood club,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.

“Nearly 13 years at the club now. It’s a massive achievement for me and my family, and I’m so proud of everything.

“The biggest thing is just to get into the U21s at the minute and then hopefully kick on next season, have a really good season and just enjoy my football.”