Rotherham United youngster Akeem Hinds has signed his first professional contract.
The Academy graduate has been handed a one-year professional deal following the conclusion of his scholarship.
The 18-year-old caught the eye of manager Paul Warne, which saw the versatile defender take part in senior pre-season outings in 2017, whilst he made his professional debut against Chesterfield in the Checkatrade Trophy.
“Akeem played in the Checkatrade Trophy last season and did well,” first-team/development coach Matthew Hamshaw told www.themillers.co.uk
“His levels dropped in some of the under 18s and reserve team games, but we sat him down and had a chat, he re-focused and that's why he got his professional deal.
“He didn't get it because had played a few first-team games, he got it because he re-assessed his progress and pushed on.
“We saw some character in him, and we feel he can kick on again because he has shown he can come back after a difficult spell. He is another one who we'll look closely at, and maybe see if we can get him out on loan at some point to gain further experience."
Hinds is one of three Academy graduates to have been handed professional terms after the club previously confirmed striker Joshua Kayode and Northern Ireland youth international Reece McGinley would become first-year professionals.
All three played a part in the 3-0 victory against Bradford City in the Checkatrade Trophy back in November.