Ben Parker reacts as Charlie Allen signs first professional contract at Leeds

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Ben Parker has told the LS11 Podcast that Charlie Allen looks a really exciting prospect following the announcement that the teenager has signed his first professional contract with Leeds United.

In an academy that seems to be churning out incredibly talented youngsters on a regular basis, Allen looks to be one of the names to really look out for ahead of the coming years.

The 17-year-old arrived at Elland Road in the summer. As reported by Leeds Live, he had numerous options to pick from. But ultimately, it was Leeds who managed to win the race to bring him in from Linfield.

He has since captained the under-21s in the Papa John’s Trophy. And while he has played the majority of his football for the under-18s, he has also made a couple of appearances for Mark Jackson’s under-23s.

And Leeds have rewarded Allen for his development. The club announced on their official website on Monday that he has signed his first professional contract.

And following the announcement, Parker suggested that it was a very good piece of business from the Whites.

“Exciting young prospect,” he told LS11, when asked about the teenager. “He was the player who was 15 when he broke into the team in Northern Ireland that he was playing for. In the summer, a lot of teams, big clubs up and down the country wanted to sign him, but we managed to get him in.

“He’s a guy who’s played a lot of under-18s, a couple of games with the under-23s. He trains predominantly with the under-23s as well. A young lad and a well-deserved contract.”

Allen will surely be setting his sights on more game-time with the under-23s this season. Jackson’s side are playing some outstanding football.

And with a number of first-team stars regularly dropping down into the squad, Allen impressing in that side could perhaps take him slightly closer to the periphery of the senior ranks.