Academy scholar Ethan Jones signs for Town

The 17-year-old striker from Dudley has penned a two-year deal with a further 12-month option in the club's favour.

Jones has scored eight goals for Town's youth team this season after being released from Wolves.

The youngster becomes the third scholar to sign pro forms since the summer after Shaun Rowley and Kaiman Anderson.

Now he is looking forward to repaying the faith in him by following in the footsteps of other academy graduates who have made the journey from youth team to first team such as Connor Goldson, Ryan Woods and Dominic Smith, who made his debut last weekend against Colchester.

"It feels great. I've worked hard and I'm really happy because not many people of my age get this opportunity," said Jones.

"So I'm thankful the club has given me this chance and thankful to my family because they have supported me all the way.

"Micky Mellon has told me of his plans and I'm really excited and happy to be at this club and looking forward to working with the gaffer and his staff as well.

"I've seen how it's set up here with other players progressing through the youth system going on to the first team and then going on to bigger clubs so I'm happy to be here and I'll knuckle down and hopefully get into the first team and impress."

Jones has been training with the first team regularly this season with fellow youth-teamer Callum Grogan and believes he has progressed well playing with senior players.

"It's good and the training is quick but the players have been good to me. They've helped me and taught me well," he said.

"They've been on my back when I've needed it but it's been a good step up and I think I've handled it well - now I'm looking forward to being with the first team squad all the time.

Pacy Jones is known as a real poacher at youth-team level but he is eager to prove himself at the higher level.

"It's been a good start to the season and now I just want to keep that up," he added.

"It's down to me in training and continuing to work hard. It's also down to my team-mates because they have created chances for me."