Sheffield United history maker Antwoine Hackford signs first professional contract at Bramall Lane

The youngster, who became United’s youngest-ever Premier League player when he came off the bench away at Crystal Palace last season, was a regular in United’s youth sides last season and has now put pen to paper on a professional deal.

Posting on social media, Hackford wrote: “Happy to have signed my first professional contract at Sheffield United ”

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Hackford was also called up to the England U17 squad for a four-day training camp last season, not long after completing his GCSEs at Sheffield's Springs Academy.

He was an exciting inclusion in United’s squad in pre-season – when he and Zak Brunt were forced to perform a song for their teammates as part of an initiation ritual - and has been described as having electric pace by everyone who has seen him play.

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His development has been advanced by playing in the age group above – he made his debut for United’s U18s at 14 years old, and he played for the U23s at 15 – and he has an eye for goal, too.

Part of a talented young crop of players coming through at the Blades, Hackford may yet spend next season out on loan at a professional club to further accelerate his development. United have six senior strikers on their books at present, while youth-team teammate Daniel Jebbison made his own senior debut towards the back end of last season – scoring the winning goal away at Everton to announce himself on the global stage.

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