Gillingham have announced that Bailey Akehurst has put pen to paper on his first professional contract at Priestfield.

The 18-year-old, who played 11 times for the first-team last season as a second year apprentice, making his full league debut at Hillsborough against Sheffield Wednesday in the process, has agreed terms with the start of pre-season training just over two weeks away.

The left-back made his Gills debut in a 2-2 draw away at Crawley in the Carabao Cup last August before coming on as a substitute in the second round tie against Cheltenham at home a fortnight later.

Bailey went on to make a further nine appearances, including the aforementioned fixture at Hillsborough. He was offered a new contract following the conclusion of the season and signed his deal on Monday afternoon.

On signing, Bailey said: “I am delighted, I’d like to thank all of the coaches that have helped me. 

“It’s in my own hands now, ultimately I want to be in the first-team and that’s what I will keep pushing for. I need to come back in pre-season ready to go.”

Manager Neil Harris added: “I’ve seen attributes that I like in him from a full-back. Physically he is filling out; he’s a good defender and a really good footballer. We are going to give him the opportunity to train with the first-team but then it’s down to the lad to push himself.

“Bailey we see potential in, we will work with him every day to develop him and we look forward to it.”