Teenage Fulham defender Stefan Parkes has put pen to paper on his first professional contract with the club.

The England youth international has long been considered one of the Fulham academy’s most promising youngsters and has been capped by his country up to under-18 level. Parkes, equally adept at left back or centre half, enjoyed an excellent first season with the under-18s – making 24 appearances as Steve Wigley’s side successfully retained their Premier League south title.

After signing his two year deal, Parkes told the club’s official website:

“I can’t put my emotions into words and I don’t think it’s fully sunken in yet. It’s another milestone that I’m thankful to have achieved and it motivates me to work even harder. The coaches within the academy ensure us that at this club, age is no barrier. If you’re good enough you’ll get what you deserve. Seeing the boys step up drives me each day to keep on improving and hopefully I’ll play in the first team myself.”

Fulham’s academy director Mike Cave added:

“I’m delighted that Stefan is continuing his journey with us having signed his professional contract. Stef has been a part of our academy for several years, demonstrating his talents as an attacking full-back. Even more impressively, he has suffered, come back from, and excelled following challenging periods on the side-line with injury. He represents the reward of hard work and endeavour and I’m excited to continue to watch his development as he pushes towards the next challenge and steps into the professional game.”