EXCITING youngster Dom Ballard signed his first professional contract at Saints and insisted: “I won’t stop now.”

The 17-year-old striker is enjoying a sublime season at the south coast club, making 41 appearances across the B team and under-18s side and contributing 26 goals.

Five of Ballard’s goals have come in Premier League 2 and a further 13 in the Under-18 Premier League.

The youngster has also been rewarded this campaign with call-ups to England’s under-17 side.

On signing his professional deal, he said: “It’s something that I’ve only ever dreamed of. Now that it’s happening it’s a dream come true.

“It was an easy decision because of how good the club is and how it feels to be here. I’m really enjoying it and it’s a credit to the way we play here, it suits my attributes so well.

“It’s been really great to share the pitch with the under-18s side and I think that reflects why I’m scoring so much. I just feel so comfortable, it’s just such a good environment.

“I’ve come a long way since the start of the year, had such a big step. But I won’t stop now, I’ve got to push on and hopefully see more first team and make a debut in years to come.”

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