Sammons secures Birmingham deal

Sammons (centre) has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal with Blues

Birmingham City academy product Ashley Sammons says he is targeting a regular starting place after signing a two-and-a-half-year deal with the club.

"Ever since I joined the academy my goal has been to get a professional contract," said the 17-year-old England Under-18 midfielder from Solihull.

"I'm delighted to have one now. However I am fully aware the hard work starts here. You have to keep working hard.

"My aim now is to get in the senior side on a consistent basis."

He's a very mobile player and a really good character and attentive listener Birmingham boss Alex McLeish

Sammons has already sampled life in the first team after playing in a pre-season friendly against Forest Green Rovers and he is keen to make that a regular experience.

"I got a little bit of a taste of what is hopefully to come. It was unbelievable playing alongside a player with as much experience as Lee Carsley and it can only have benefitted my game."

Blues boss Alex McLeish added that he has high hopes for the local teenager.

"We're delighted for Ashley. He's a very mobile player and a really good character and attentive listener," he said.

"If he continues to show the desire that he has been doing he can go a long way in the game."