ARGYLE apprentice Liam Head celebrated his 17th birthday today be being upgraded to the club's professional ranks.
Striker Liam is rated the best young prospect to emerge from Devon since Dan Gosling, who just over a year ago became the Pilgrims' first-ever £1 million-plus teenage export when he was transferred to Everton and who was also given senior status on his 17th birthday, the youngest age at which players may sign professional contracts.
Like Dan, and most other aspiring youngsters that have tried to make the grade at Home Park in the last decade, Liam was recruited by veteran Youth Development Officer, John James.
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Signed up: Head signs professional forms overlooked by his parents and manager Paul Sturrock |
From Bovey Tracey, and a former pupil of South Dartmoor Community College, Liam first signed Centre of Excellence forms for Argyle as a 13-year-old in April 2005.
He came to prominence last season, when he had six outings in the England Under-16 international team that won the Victory Shield for the seventh successive year and the prestigious Montaign quadrangular international tournament in France.
Then, last November, he scored on his debut in England's UEFA U17 European Championships qualifier when he came on as a substitute against Estonia in Spain.
"I'm absolutely over the moon" admitted the excited youngster.
"It's been a brilliant birthday present; I've been waiting for it for ages.
"From quite along time ago, I knew that I was going to sign for Plymouth Argyle. There was never really any other thought.
"Hopefully, towards the end of the season, if the team can continue to do well then maybe I will be able to get a run out."
Argyle manager Paul Sturrock was pleased to wrap-up the teenager's signature.
"We're delighted" he said.
"Liam has done ever so well in the youth games this year and hopefully if he can knuckle down and concentrate then he can come to the fore sooner rather than later."
