Colchester United have tied Frankie Kent to a long-term contract after the teenage defender signed a new three-and-a-half year deal with the U's.
The 18-year-old centre-back, who has started Colchester's last seven games under boss Tony Humes, has committed himself to the Weston Homes Community Stadium until at least the summer of 2018.
Kent, who came through Colchester's academy after joining them from Arsenal when he was 15, has excelled in League One this season.
Kent said: "It's been a long journey to get to where I am now and I can't thank everyone who has helped me enough "This is where it really starts for me.
"It's a good achievement for me but I know that I have to keep doing as well as possible in training and in games to try and keep my place and carry on how I've been doing."
For all of the latest Colchester United news and a three-page preview of the U's game with Scunthorpe United, see Friday's Daily Gazette.
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