Barrovian Isaac Whitehall has taken a big step forward in his football career by signing his first professional contract with Championship club Blackburn Rovers.

The 17-year-old has been with Rovers since joining them aged 12 after impressing against their academy whilst playing for Barrow AFC’s under-13 side.

Whitehall, who also played for Furness Cavaliers’ junior sides when he was younger, has impressed in several different positions for Blackburn, including the centre of defence and midfield.

He recently captained Blackburn’s under-18 team in their FA Youth Cup victory against Newport County and was part of the under-23 side that lifted the Lancashire Senior Cup last season.

Whitehall said: “It’s something that I’ve been looking forward to. You put the hours in each day and it makes it all worthwhile by signing this professional contract.

“I remember that I was playing a game for Barrow against Rovers and I think we won 5-4. I scored three of the goals and I was brought in here for a six-week trial.

“Three weeks into it I was offered a contract. I was relieved to finally be at a club where you can express yourself and it’s been brilliant ever since.

“Being here, you do grow up being in an environment like this. You learn things off each and every person you meet here.

“The last 12 months have been the best of my footballing career.”