Curtis brothers sign pro deals with St Patrick's Athletic

Navan brothers Ben and Sam Curtis have signed professional contracts with Airtricity Premier Division side St Patrick's Athletic.

17-year-old Ben and 16-year-old Sam joined St Pat's under-19s last summer and featured in both legs of the UEFA Youth League tie against Red Star Belgrade during an impressive first six months at the club.

This is a first professional contract for Sam, who became the club's youngest ever senior player, when he came on against Waterford last August at 15 years and 255 days.

Centre-back Ben has extended his contract having also impressed during his time as a Super Saint so far.

They join a number of other current Academy players who are already on professional contracts with the club.

Manager Tim Clancy from Trim is delighted to tie the two Navan lads down to contracts and believes they have a very bright future.

"We are very pleased that Ben and Sam have signed their contracts. They've both been doing well in pre-season with the first team so far and made really positive impacts to the u-19s last year," said Clancy.

"They are among a number of Academy graduates who are in and around our first-team squad which is great. They'll continue to work hard in training and I'm looking forward to watching their progress both in the first team and also with the u-19s."

Ben Curtis is thrilled at signing the contract and he is looking forward to working with the very experienced squad Clancy is assembling.

"I'm really happy and delighted to sign. The experience I've gained from being around the first team is second to none and it's the stuff you dream about as a kid,2 said the 17-year-old.

"The senior players have won leagues and cups and are all top top players. You learn from them every day which is great for someone my age.

"The UEFA Youth League was a massive thing for me last season with the u-19s and a brilliant experience.

"I think I've really pushed on as a player since coming to Pat's, it's a great place to be as a young player.

"My plan is to play as well as I can for the u-19s and train to my very best with the first team and I can't wait to kick on," he concluded.

Ben's brother Sam is equally thrilled at signing his first professional contract and he is eager to build on hios electric start to his career so far.

"It's a really proud moment for me and my family. I'm delighted to have signed my first professional contract at Pat's, there's no better club to do it at either," said the younger Curtis brother.

"I've already had some great experiences like making my senior debut at 15 and playing in the UEFA Youth League.

"The highlight was being around the squad for the cup final and the whole experience which was fantastic.

"My mindset is to try and kick on from last year with the u-19s and also the first team and see where it takes me," said Sam Curtis.