PROMISING teenage midfielder Ryan Lowe has signed his first professional deal at Colchester United.

Lowe has been rewarded with the contract, after impressing for both the U's under-23s and under-18s teams this season.

He skippered Colchester's under-18 side in their excellent FA Youth Cup run, this season.

Lowe helped them to with beat Arsenal and Swindon Town, before Liam Bailey's side bowed out in the fourth round at Newcastle United.

His performances for the U's academy teams have caught the eye of the first-team coaches, with Lowe on the bench for Colchester in their triumph at Leyton Orient earlier this month.

 

Lowe told the U's website: "I was speechless when I was told.

"I've come a long way since joining the academy and I feel like I've put good performances in this season and hopefully I can keep kicking on and carry on my career.

"I want to keep improving and take every day as it comes, and hopefully by the end of the season I'll have made my debut.

"That would be a dream, but I'll keep taking every day as it comes."

Lowe was an unused substitute for Colchester in their 1-0 win at Leyton Orient, on February 5.

“Brilliant for Ryan," said U's interim boss Wayne Brown after including the teenage midfielder on the bench.

“He’s done exceptionally well for the 23s and he’s stepped up when he’s needed to do in that environment and this can only benefit him."