SAINTS Academy defender Aarran Racine has signed a professional deal with the club.

The imposing centre back put pen to paper ahead of Tuesday's 1-1 draw at home to Coventry, with the contract beginning today.

Worthing-born Racine has been with Saints since under-15 level.

He was the only player to complete 90 minutes in Saints' 3-0 pre-season win at Salisbury and also played the second half of the Stoke friendly at St Mary's.

Racine said: "It feels great and it means a lot to me to have signed pro and it's a really important moment for me in my career."

Racine has been out of action for a couple of weeks with a knee injury, but has been a regular in the under-18 team and Mark Wotte's reserve side when fit.

Under-18s coach Stewart Henderson said: "Aarran has handled himself well and is a strong defender. Once he's fit, we'll definitely see a lot more of him."